University of Chester celebrates impact of work placements on students and employers

Demonstrating this commitment, the University recently celebrated the achievements of students and the organisations that support their development at a special Work Placement Celebration Event, recognising the positive impact of workplace learning and the partnerships that make it possible. 

The event brought together students, placement providers, academic colleagues and the University's Work Placement Team within Careers and Employability to share experiences, recognise achievements and thank the organisations that provide valuable opportunities for students to apply their academic knowledge, develop professional skills and prepare for their future careers. 

During the 2025-26 academic year, 379 students engaged with the University's Work Placement Team, gaining experience across a diverse range of settings. These opportunities were made possible through the support of 234 organisations, which welcomed students into their workplaces and provided opportunities to contribute, learn and develop.

Feedback highlighted the benefits for both students and employers. Of the students who responded to the University's survey, 91% reported that their placement helped them develop personal and professional skills, while 80% said the experience increased their confidence in relation to future employability and career development. In addition, 95% of placement providers agreed that students undertook meaningful work and made a positive contribution to their organisation. 

Work placements form an important part of the University's commitment to student development, connecting academic learning with real-world experience. They also support the University's Future Skills Curriculum, Chester Graduate Attributes and Citizen Student strategy, helping students develop the confidence, adaptability and professional capabilities they need to progress beyond university. 

The Celebration Event recognised the contribution of placement hosts of all sizes and across a wide range of sectors, alongside the students who embraced the opportunities available to them and the academic colleagues and University staff who help make successful placements possible. 

The University looks forward to continuing to strengthen these partnerships and creating further opportunities for students to learn, contribute and thrive. 

Helen Galbraith, Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer at the University of Chester, said: "Across the UK there is increasing concern about the number of young people who are not in education, employment or training. Universities, employers and community partners all have an important role to play in addressing this challenge. 

"By working closely with organisations across the region and beyond, we are creating opportunities that allow students to gain valuable experience, develop professional networks and build the confidence needed to take their next steps. These partnerships are making a real difference, helping young people realise their potential while supporting employers to develop the future talent they need." 

Angie Standish, Head of Careers and Employability at the University of Chester, said: "At a time when there is so much concern about opportunities for people entering the workplace, creating those first experiences matters enormously. Students can find themselves facing that familiar question: how do I get experience if I need experience to get started? You help them take that first step." 

Alistair Booth, Work Placement and Employability Coordinator at the University of Chester, added: "I first started working in placement learning at Chester back in 2003. Over that time, I've seen a lot of changes: different people, different approaches to module design and assessment, changing expectations of employers and students, and the extraordinary challenges brought about by the pandemic. 

"Yet, through all those changes, one thing has remained remarkably consistent: the transformational nature of placement learning that leads to personal and professional growth." 

The University is now taking new bookings from employers for work experience offers (for delivery April-June 2027) Employers seeking further information about work placements and opportunities to engage with the University of Chester should contact the Work Placement Team by emailing workplacements@chester.ac.uk or complete the Work Placement Offer Form directly. 

Captions: Networking opportunities at the event. 

Work Placement Celebration Event - Angie Standish, Head of Careers and Employability, presenting.