Industry Placements work for students and employers

Lincoln College works with many different partners to help boost its education offering and create great employment opportunities for its learners.

One such partner is Gusto Construction Ltd, which has been working with students under Lincoln College’s Industry Placement scheme for more than three years.

The scheme gives students the chance to gain 45 days of valuable work experience in a work-related environment, spread over one year.

During this time, students can work on key employability skills and gain important industry knowledge, as well as studying the theoretical side of that industry in college. In addition, employers have the benefits of being able to train students to become part of the team at no cost, with potential recruitment options available as an apprenticeship or fulltime employee, should it suit the business at a later date.

And for Gusto, it has been a winning formula and one which has seen them take on a number of students under the scheme.

“We started taking on students back in 2018, when after having three work experience students from Lincoln College we were told about the Industry Placement scheme,” said Emma James, Construction Executive Assistant at Gusto.

“After speaking to the college about the industry placement we decided to keep two of the students on under the industry placement scheme,” she said.

Emma said she thought the Industry Placement was the ideal platform for both employer and student, providing a number of benefits and flexible approaches to working and learning.

“For example, we took two joinery students on the industry placement back in 2018. Over their time with us it became clear from the various meetings with the student and college that one of the lads wasn’t really wanting to do site joinery. From the meetings held and talking to him it became clear that what he was actually wanting to do was bench joinery. 

“We discussed this with him and the college who agreed to find him another more suitable placement. This highlights the flexibility of the industry placement for the students.”

Lincoln College student Harry is also currently with Gusto as a bricklayer and says the experience is helping him build new skills.

“I chose to complete the Industry Placement as it allowed me to learn, develop my skills, and earn money all at the same time.

“I have been helping around site in lots of different ways, including building the bungalows. I’ve also had tools given to me that will last long term and I will be doing my CSCS card soon.

“I would definitely recommend an Industry Placement to other students, as it allows for further learning and a chance to see if you really do want to take that route in life.” 

“Harry is settling into working on site perfectly and is really enjoying the opportunity with us,” said Emma. “He works with a mixed age and level of experienced bricklayers and again is gaining a lot of first-hand experience with us. He has also been awarded the student spotlight award!”

Emma said Lincoln College has been very supportive and the scheme offers great flexibility and opportunity.

“The industry placements are a great way for both employers and students to get to know each other and the nature of the business and the work involved,” she said.  “With the freedom and flexibility of the scheme if one of the parties decides that it isn’t for them the process of moving in via the College is an easy process.”

You can visit our website by clicking on the link for more details on Industry Placements or you can email workplacement@lincolncollege.ac.uk