FAQs
Who is eligible to apply?
The programme is open to all undergraduate students who:
- Are enrolled in a UK Higher Education Institution undergraduate degree course
- Or have completed an undergraduate degree and are planning to study for a postgraduate degree
- Or have completed a 2 year HND and are planning to attend a university course
If you meet these criteria and have the skills for the job, you can apply.
What is the deadline for applications?
Each placement is advertised with its own deadline – the programme runs from June to September with placements being advertised from March onwards on a rolling basis. Normally placements are advertised for between two weeks and one month, so make sure you allow plenty of time to prepare your application and CV before the deadline. You should check the website every few weeks to keep up to date with new vacancies – or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
What is the application process?
The application process is very simple. You need to fill in the application form and send it, along with your CV, to the email address included in the application form. Following the deadline, you will be contacted by someone from the TalentScotland Summer Placement Programme who will let you know whether your application has or has not been forwarded to the employer.
Please also complete our equalities questionnaire online when you apply.
If the employer chooses to interview you, either he or she will be in touch directly to schedule the interview or somebody from the TalentScotland Summer Placement Programme team. Following the interview, you will be given feedback on whether you have or have not been selected for the programme.
What will happen at the interview?
Each company is typically only recruiting one or two students and will have a very simple interview process. The interview may take place in person or via the phone or Skype. You may be asked to prepare a presentation for your interview. In some instances you may be asked to sit a test as part of the process.
I don’t have any formal work experience, can I apply?
Yes. If a company is looking for any specific work experience, this will be clearly stated in the job advertisement. Most placements, however, are looking for your academic and extra-curricular experience, and the potential you will bring to the company.
I don’t live in the same place as the placement company, will I be helped to move?
As part of the programme, you won’t be offered formal/financial assistance to relocate. Usually, the programme team and the company have links to particular letting agencies/local vacancies and may be able to offer limited advice about relocating.
How much will I earn?
The minimum wage is £6.08 per hour, but some companies will pay more.
What kind of support will I receive during the programme?
You can contact a member of the placement team at any point during the programme if you have any questions, concerns or feedback. You will also be visited at your workplace once throughout the placement by a member of the team.
Interacting with other students on placement through our Facebook group is a great way of getting support and also from your main supervisor, who will be your manager in the placement company.
What makes a good application?
We want to see your motivations for applying for the eight week project and for the specific placement company. Take the time to research the company and why you feel you would be the right candidate. It is important that you demonstrate in the application what skills and experience you have that make you the best candidate for the placement. Remember that attention to detail and the overall quality of your application are extremely important – poor spelling and sloppiness will put your application at a disadvantage.
Do you only recruit from certain courses?
No, we recruit from all different degree disciplines. Of course, there will be some technical roles (e.g. Engineering) that require specific degree backgrounds, but each advertisement will be clear about what qualifications the candidate needs to have.
Can I apply to multiple placements?
Yes, but make sure you are clear about your motivations for each one. Don’t just copy and paste your application from one to another.
Will I receive training while on placement?
Your company will train you in the specific areas required and you will attend a 2 day residential training course as part of the programme, which teaches employability and personal development skills. Read more about the training here.
If you have any further questions please contact us by e-mail.
