Short work placements now on Facebook

The short work placements scheme, which launched at the end of September, now has 120 students and current graduates on a waiting list ready to be matched with companies in Essex, Suffolk and beyond.  Funding from  the government’s Economic Challenge Investment Fund (ECIF) has given the Research and Enterprise Office the opportunity to pilot this university-wide project with  the Careers Centre until September 2010.
With employability high on the university’s list of priorities, even a couple of weeks of work experience can significantly increase the likelihood of a securing a desirable job, whether you’re a student or a graduate. The placements will last between 2-4 weeks, with paid travel expenses and,  where possible, a wage from the employer.

Demand for placements has been such that a new Facebook group has been launched, "University of Essex - Short Term Work Placement Scheme" .  This page will give students access to ‘placement of the week’ and handy work-readiness tips, including training opportunities from across the University.

Kate Anstee, the ECIF Placements Officer says: “We have been inundated with requests for placements from students and recent graduates. I’m acting as the ‘Match.com’  intermediary for students and employers – it involves a lot of chasing but we’re about to launch six placements with local companies and I’m confident both parties will benefit.”

Companies ready to take on UoE students and graduates include Live Event Branding, Abbey/Santander, the Network Resource Group, Abbeycroft Leisure,  Planet Ace Ltd, Essex Fire and Rescue, Holiday Inn and local voluntary sector organisations. 
If you want to sign up or offer a placement go to  www.essex.ac.uk/reo/ecif . For further information  email placements@essex.ac.uk