Placement years

Access emerging talent for your organisation

A placement year is a structured programme that enables a student to spend a full academic year working as a paid employee within your organisation before returning to university to complete their degree.

Hosting a placement year student gives your business access to talented, motivated individuals who are eager to apply their academic knowledge in a professional environment while developing valuable industry experience.

Why recruit a placement year student?

Bring fresh ideas and new perspectives

Our students are ambitious, enthusiastic and keen to make a meaningful contribution. They can bring fresh thinking, innovative approaches and up to date knowledge to your organisation.

Support business projects and growth

Whether you have a specific project, a short term business need, or are looking to increase capacity within your team, a placement year student can provide valuable support while gaining practical experience.

Build your future talent pipeline

A placement year offers an effective way to identify and develop future employees. Nearly 50% of placement students return to work for their placement employer after graduation, helping to reduce future recruitment, onboarding and training costs.

Strengthen your employer brand

By offering placement opportunities, you demonstrate your commitment to developing the next generation of talent and supporting higher education. This can enhance your reputation with clients, stakeholders and prospective employees.

Develop strong university connections

Partnering with York St John University creates opportunities to engage with academic expertise, collaborate on future initiatives and strengthen links between education and industry.

Dedicated support throughout the placement

We work closely with both employers and students to ensure placements are successful and beneficial for all parties.

As an employer, you will receive:

• Support with promoting opportunities and recruiting students
• Guidance throughout onboarding and the placement journey
• Dedicated support from our placement team
• Regular check-ins to monitor progress and support development with their academic tutor and a member of the placements team.

Before the placement begins, a Placement Year Agreement is created to establish objectives and expectations. This provides a framework for ongoing conversations between the student, supervisor and university throughout the year.