This study report discusses the results of a SW STEM initiated project, which has focussed on identifying new work-based learning opportunities for chemistry students. Firstly, we have investigated whether employers, who traditionally host sandwich or long-term placements, are able to offer short-term (e.g. summer) placements as an alternative work-based learning experience. Secondly, we have determined to what extent non-traditional employers of chemistry graduates are able to offer relevant and appropriate placement opportunities for chemistry students.

Of the 182 companies contacted, 29 (16%) provided feedback on their perceptions, understanding, expectations and limitations of short-term placements. The feedback revealed that the overall perception of short-term placements is positive (17 out of 29; 59%) and that all but 2 (7%) companies had previous experience of hosting students, in a variety of work-based learning opportunities. 18 (62%) companies considered the summer period (3 months) to be sufficient time for both employers and students to benefit from the experience. These benefits were perceived as providing recruitment opportunities (10; 34%) or extra resource (10; 34%) for employers; while offering a real-life and/or science-related work experience for students (12; 41% and 8; 28%, respectively). In general, our findings are consistent with those obtained previously from research into longer-term placements (Lemanski 2011; Little 2006). 15 (52%) companies stated that they could only offer unpaid placements, while other limitations included external influences (7; 24%), subject (5; 17%) or workload (5; 17%); although the lack of suitable projects was also a cause for concern.

Overall, 32 companies indicated that they were interested in hosting short-term placements, of which 23 (72%) were traditional chemistry graduate employers and 9 (28%) were non‑traditional employers, from the engineering and other (manufacturing, finance, retail, IT, etc) industries; indicating that placement opportunities for chemistry students in non-traditional chemistry employers exist.

These findings have been collated and analysed to develop an employer-centred approach to help companies overcome perceived and potential barriers to offering short-term placements and to inform good practice and develop successful placement opportunities, going forward