Selecting projects and activities for a Creative and Design industry placement
When planning your placement, you should think about projects and activities that can:
- allow students to apply and enhance their knowledge of the industry as well as their technical skills
- add value to your organisation
You can do this in collaboration with the student's school or college.
Students taking the Craft and Design or Media, Broadcast and Production T Levels will have a broad understanding of the sector, and will be studying occupation-specific modules.
Here, you'll find examples of projects you can set for your industry placement students, as well as tips on things to think about when planning them.
Example industry placement projects for Creative and Design
Contents
Graphic design studio
Working in a small, but growing graphic design studio, this industry placement student came into the studio 2 days a week during their second year to support the studio where needed.
They supported senior graphic designers to organise and prioritise projects, proofread, carry out basic edits and, over time, create designs in accordance with customer briefs.
Projects and activities:
- Participate in idea generation for creative concepts and customer briefs
- Review and comment on branding, design, images and copy of designed work before presenting to the client
- Develop graphics for product illustrations, logos and websites
- Store and arrange media library and project folders
Art gallery technician
Working for an art gallery, this industry placement student supported the installation of a new exhibition.
The placement was delivered in a block where the student was first given a thorough induction to the art gallery, then worked with the art technician to plan and install the exhibition ready for public viewing and to the client’s specification.
Projects and activities:
- Document, measure and photograph the condition of objects prior to transit
- Prepare the space for object installation and de-installation in line with agreed plans
- Research and source materials, tools, equipment and supplies needed to make displays, mounts, cases and commissions
- Prepare and build containers, fixings and packing for the safe storage and transit of objects
- With supervision, undertake safe handling, movement and installation of objects considering location, fragility, weight, size and other hazards
Content production and marketing
Working for an independent coffee shop, this industry placement student supported the business to grow its presence on social media and appeal to a younger audience in the local area.
The student spent time in the coffee shop talking to customers and staff to get a sense of why people drank there, before setting up appropriate social media channels and marketing the organisation online, through video and photo content that appealed to the target audience.
Projects and activities:
- Present ideas, pitches and proposals for creative content to be further developed
- Identify and recommend the appropriate platforms or channels to use for the media campaign
- Capture images and audio using basic video, still cameras and audio equipment
- Assist in hosting message boards and engaging with audiences through social media
Identifying placement projects
Look for projects and activities for students undertaking an industry placement that:
- will help stretch the learning the student has undertaken in the classroom
- utilise skills they have that your business needs
- can support a wide range of learners to step into your workplace, helping your staff value difference
- utilise both creative and administrative or operational skills, so learners recognise that the sector relies on a combination of these skills
- provide opportunities for students to make a meaningful contribution to live projects. As these students may be new to the world of work, they may need to be involved in lower risk or non-business-critical tasks at first
You can use the planning the content of an industry placement article to:
- structure industry placement projects and activities
- provide meaningful experience for the student
- deliver tangible benefits for your organisation
Hybrid (remote) placements
Students studying media, broadcast and production T Levels can carry out up to one fifth of their placement hours working remotely, where hybrid working is an established practice or the student doesn’t live in acceptable commuting distance. Remote working must take place in a suitable environment and employers must support the student throughout.
If you're interested in offering an industry placement, get in touch with T Level providers near you.
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