Learning sticks when you can put it to work. Our Work Placement Support Service helps eligible learners understand what their placement involves, prepare for the workplace, and look for suitable openings, with introductions to relevant employers where we can.
Trusted by Learners and Professionals Worldwide
Four routes. One team.
Find the route that matches your situation, then confirm your course requirements with the Academic Team.
- Most common
Compulsory qualification placements
Your qualification may require workplace hours, observations or practical tasks. The setting must let you meet the assessment criteria, so check before you begin.
Examples:health and social care, childcare, teaching support
Career experience placements
Want real experience before applying for jobs? Whether you are still studying or have finished, a placement helps bridge study and work.
Best for:building experience first
Skills development placements
Already employed? Try a different role or department, prepare for promotion, and put new knowledge into practice.
Best for:progressing in your field
Career change and return to work
Switching sectors or returning after a break? Get to know the industry and show employers your experience is current.
Best for:a fresh start or a comeback
Your journey in 8 steps
From your first application to life after placement, in four phases. Every step depends on your eligibility and on what is available.
How We Support Your Placement
Whatever stage you are at, from decoding your requirements to handing in your evidence, we are there to guide you.
This support is for eligible learners. It cannot guarantee a placement, a particular employer, or a job.
Understanding Your Requirements
Find out whether your course makes a placement compulsory, which workplace suits it, how many hours you need and what evidence, observation and supervisor input applies.
Searching for a Placement
Get advice on finding suitable employers, approaching them professionally, writing an introduction and using professional networks and job platforms.
CV and Employability Guidance
Prepare stronger applications with help on your CV, cover letter, professional profile, interview technique and workplace communication.
Connecting With Employers
Where we have the right relationships, we contact employers about openings for eligible learners. What is available depends on sector, location and suitability.
Academic and Assessment Support
Learn what to produce for compulsory placements, such as logs, timesheets, reflective accounts, witness statements, observations and portfolios.
Work Placement
Put Your Learning to Work in a Real Workplace.
Ready to take the next step?
Do you meet the requirements?
Work placement support is usually for eligible learners. These are the things we will typically look for.
Good to know
Meeting every requirement does not mean an organisation will automatically accept you. Some may ask for references, an interview, safeguarding checks, ID or specific training. In the UK, roles involving children or vulnerable adults may require a DBS check.
You are enrolled on a relevant Global Edulink programme
You are actively engaged with your studies
You meet any academic or progression requirements
You have a genuine qualification, career or skills need
You communicate well and act professionally
You can provide an up-to-date CV where required
You have completed the necessary application documents
You can meet the employer’s requirements, including any checks or legal right to take part
Important Limitations and Conditions
We want your expectations to be realistic from the start. Please read these points before applying.
Placements Are Not Guaranteed
Availability depends on employer space, industry demand, your location, suitability, required hours, safeguarding and legal checks.
You Play an Active Part
We support your search, but you are encouraged to approach suitable employers yourself too.
Employers Decide for Themselves
Employers are independent. They run their own selection and may decline an application or end a placement under their own procedures.
A Job Is Not Promised
Completing a placement does not guarantee paid work, though the skills and references you gain can strengthen future applications.
Your Qualification Rules Apply
For assessed or regulated courses, the workplace and activities must meet your assessment requirements. We may refuse evidence that does not.
Location and Availability
Opportunities differ by area and sector. We cannot promise one within a set distance of home or with a specific organisation.
Travel and Other Costs
Unless clearly agreed otherwise, you cover your own travel and personal expenses. Settle any arrangements with the employer first.
Paid or Unpaid
Never assume a placement pays. Entitlement depends on the arrangement and the law, so clarify payment and expenses before you start.
How to Apply for a Work Placement
Securing a placement works best when you take the lead. Prepare with the steps below, then submit your request through the form.
Before you apply:
- 1
Pin down your reason
Is it a qualification requirement, career development, new skills or a change of direction?
- 2
Check what your course needs
Speak to the Academic Team about hours, suitable workplaces and roles, evidence, supervisor requirements and how you will be assessed.
- 3
Gather your details
Have your Learner ID, course, study stage, CV, certificates, preferred sector, location and availability to hand.
- 4
Know how employers select
They may ask for an application, interview, references, ID, qualifications, occupational health information or a DBS check.
- 5
Get the placement approved
If it counts towards assessment, confirm its suitability before you start, or your hours may not count.
- 6
Make the most of your time there
Turn up on time, behave professionally, follow policies, protect confidentiality and keep accurate records of your hours.
- 7
Hand in your evidence
Follow your assessor’s or the Academic Team’s instructions.
Ready to get real-world experience?
Tell us about your course and the placement you need. It takes about 5 minutes.
Who is responsible for what
A placement succeeds when everyone does their part. Here is how the work is divided.
Stage by stage
18 stages across 4 phases, from your first request to what comes next.
- Responsibleleads this stage
- Supporthelps or takes part
- —no part
| Stage | YouYou (learner)You | GEGlobal EdulinkGE | POPlacement organisationPO |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01Before your placement8 stages | |||
| Placement request | Responsible | Support | — |
| Eligibility review | Provide information | Responsible | — |
| Qualification requirements | Understand them | Confirm | — |
| Preparing for the workplace | Responsible | Support | — |
| Placement search | Responsible | Support | May offer an opportunity |
| Application and interview | Responsible | Support | Responsible |
| Placement suitability | Cooperate | Responsible | Responsible |
| Placement agreement | Responsible | Responsible | Responsible |
| 02During your placement5 stages | |||
| Workplace induction | Take part | Academic guidance | Responsible |
| Attendance | Responsible | Monitor where applicable | Monitor |
| Workplace supervision | Take part | Support | Responsible |
| Placement evidence | Responsible | Assess and guide | Verify and support |
| Progress review | Responsible | Responsible | Responsible |
| 03Completing your placement3 stages | |||
| Final check of hours | Check | Review | Responsible |
| Employer feedback | Receive | Review | Responsible |
| Academic assessment | Submit evidence | Responsible | Support |
| 04After your placement2 stages | |||
| Career progression | Responsible | Support | Possible opportunities |
| Further learning | Responsible | Advise | — |
Start Your Work Placement Journey
Choose the option that suits you best. Whatever your reason, Global Edulink is here to help.
Already a Global Edulink Learner?
Share your course, placement needs, preferred sector, location and availability, and we will start with an eligibility check.
Not Sure What Your Course Requires?
Unsure whether you need a placement or how many hours? The Academic Team can confirm it for you.
Are You an Employer?
Offer workplace experience and meet motivated learners ready to build skills in your industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Quick answers to what learners most often ask about placements and our support.
