Placement year jobs search
Search and discover placement year jobs tailored to your degree, skills, and career goals.
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Kickstart your career with GRB, the UK’s leading platform for placement year opportunities. We connect university students with top employers offering 12-month industrial placements and undergraduate work placements across a wide range of industries. Whether you’re studying business, engineering, science, or the arts, you’ll find roles that align with your degree and ambitions. From fast-growing startups to global brands, our expert consultants help you gain experience that sets you apart.
Get the career you deserve by browsing placement year jobs by subject, industry, location, or salary. New roles are added daily – curated by our consultants to match your goals. Register your free talent profile now and don’t miss out.
Placement year jobs FAQs
Find clear answers to common questions about placement year jobs, from when to apply to what to expect during your placement, and how to succeed.
What is a placement year and how does it work?
A placement year is a full-time, structured role that students take between their second and final year of university. Often referred to as a “sandwich year” or “industrial placement”, it typically lasts 9 to 12 months and is designed to give students hands-on experience in a professional setting related to their degree. You remain enrolled with your university and usually return after the placement to complete your final year. A placement year helps you apply academic knowledge, build industry skills, and enhance your employability through real-world projects and responsibilities.
Do I have to take a placement year as part of my degree?
When should I start applying for placement year jobs?
Will my placement year help me get a graduate job later?
Yes, completing a placement year can significantly improve your chances of securing a graduate job after university. Employers value real-world experience, and having a full year of industry work on your CV helps you stand out from other graduates. You’ll develop transferable skills, build confidence, and gain insights into the type of role or company that suits you. Many students receive graduate job offers from their placement employer, especially if they perform well. Even if you don’t, the experience shows future employers that you’re work-ready and serious about your career after completing your placement job.
Is a placement year the same as an internship or work experience?
While similar, these opportunities differ in structure and length. A placement year is a full-time role lasting 9 to 12 months, usually taken between your second and final year of university. It is often assessed and forms part of your degree. Internships are shorter, often during summer, and last a few weeks to a few months. Work experience is a broader term that can include shadowing or part-time roles. A placement year provides more in-depth exposure, real responsibility, and can significantly boost your chances of landing a graduate job.
Are placement year jobs paid, and how much can I expect?
Can I do a placement year abroad or relocate?
Yes, many students choose to complete their placement year abroad or relocate within the UK for the right opportunity. Some universities offer structured international placement options through programs like Erasmus or the Turing Scheme, while others support global opportunities through employer partnerships. Working abroad or in a new city helps broaden your perspective, improve cultural awareness, and build your independence. It also demonstrates adaptability to future employers. Before applying, make sure to check visa requirements, language expectations, and university approval processes. GRB features placements across the UK and internationally, giving you plenty of options to explore.
What sort of projects and responsibilities will I have?
Placement year roles are designed to offer real, hands-on experience that reflects the work of full-time employees. Depending on the company and sector, you might be involved in live client projects, data analysis, product development, marketing campaigns, financial reporting, or software testing. Some students are given the chance to manage small projects independently or rotate across departments. You’ll likely receive structured training, regular feedback, and mentorship from experienced staff. These roles are more than just administrative support – they are genuine opportunities to contribute, learn, and build professional confidence ahead of graduation.
Will I be the only student, or are there others in placement?
This varies depending on the size and structure of the employer. Larger companies often hire multiple placement students each year and may run structured cohorts or student schemes, giving you the chance to meet peers and build a network. Smaller firms or startups might take on just one or two students, which often leads to more varied tasks and closer team integration. In both settings, you’ll be part of a professional team and treated as a valued contributor. GRB works with a wide range of employers, allowing you to choose the environment that suits your goals and preferences.
How can I improve my chances of securing a placement year job?
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Placement year career paths
Not sure what to search for next? Browse popular industry profiles that offer placements and discover roles that match your interests and background.
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