Dealing with challenges

Dealing with challenges during a placement

Even well-planned placements can come with a few bumps along the way. That’s completely normal. The key is to approach issues early, work with your provider and keep the experience positive for everyone involved.

Here are some of the common challenges employers have faced, and practical ways they’ve overcome them.

The student seems nervous or unsure of themselves

What can help:

• Start with a warm welcome and short induction
• Set small tasks first to build confidence
• Assign a buddy or mentor to support them day to day
• Use regular check-ins to offer encouragement and feedback

"Our student was very quiet at first but pairing them with a peer buddy made all the difference. They quickly found their feet."

We’re not sure how to support a student with SEND

What can help:

• Talk to your provider about any known needs in advance
• Be flexible with communication styles and working patterns
• Make reasonable adjustments to help the student feel comfortable
• Ask your provider for resources or guidance if you’re unsure

"Our provider helped us tailor the placement to the student's needs. It turned out to be a brilliant experience for everyone involved."

We don’t think the student is the right match

What can help:

• Be open and honest with your provider early on
• Revisit the objectives of the placement together
• Consider adapting tasks or expectations
• If needed, agree a change of placement in partnership with the provider

"We had a mismatch at first, but a quick reset meeting with the provider helped realign everyone’s expectations."

The student is struggling with punctuality or communication

What can help:

• Offer clear, constructive feedback
• Treat it like you would with any new or junior staff member
• Set expectations together and check in regularly
• Remember it’s a learning experience for them

"It helped to go back to basics and explain how things work in a professional environment."

Our business needs or workload have changed

What can help:

• Speak to your provider about adjusting the schedule
• Consider shortening, rescheduling or adapting the format
• Be honest about your capacity – placements can often be paused or adapted

"We had a change in team structure halfway through, but the provider worked with us to adjust the hours and tasks."

We’re not sure how to link tasks to the student’s course

What can help:

• Ask the provider for course details or example activities
• Focus on transferable skills like communication, problem-solving or teamwork
• Include a mix of observation, shadowing and real tasks

"We realised that even basic tasks taught valuable skills. The student learned quickly and was eager to get involved."

Top tips

• Keep communication open between you, the student and the provider
• Treat the student like a new team member and set clear expectations
• Don’t wait to raise concerns – providers are there to support you
• Reflect regularly and adjust the placement if needed