Making the most of Work-Based and Placement Learning: Support for Sport and Exercise Science students

Work-based and placement learning provides an important opportunity for students to put the knowledge and skills developed through their degree into practice, gain valuable industry experience and explore potential career pathways.

At Liverpool John Moores University, the Work-Based and Placement Learning Team supports students across the Health, Innovation, Technology and Science (HITS) Faculty with a range of opportunities. These include mandatory and optional, module-specific placements and projects, as well as optional sandwich placements.

The team's role extends beyond the initial placement process. Through regular engagement with students, academics and work-based and placement providers, the team gathers feedback, conducts reviews and holds ongoing catchups to monitor the placement experience, identify areas for improvement and ensure placements continue to provide valuable learning opportunities. This helps maintain effective relationships with providers, respond to any challenges and continually review and improve the support available to students.

Within Sport and Exercise Science, Work-Based Learning Officers Shinear Dickson and Katie Lawrence support students with these opportunities. They work closely with students, academic colleagues and work-based and placement providers to facilitate meaningful learning experiences and ensure students understand the processes and requirements involved.

How the team can support students

The team's support covers different stages of the placement journey, depending on individual course requirements and circumstances.

For students undertaking module-specific work-based and placement learning opportunities, the team provides guidance on the placement process, including identifying suitable opportunities, understanding work-based and placement learning requirements, completing the necessary compliance paperwork and ensuring all relevant checks and approvals are in place before starting.

For those considering a sandwich placement, support is available to explore the options, understand how a placement year could fit into their degree and access practical advice on finding opportunities, approaching employers, preparing CVs and applications, and navigating the recruitment process.

The team also offers one-to-one appointments, providing students with an opportunity to discuss their individual circumstances, ask questions and explore the support available. In addition, the team delivers lecture drop-ins, workshops and networking events to help students understand the placement process, develop their employability skills, connect with industry professionals and explore potential opportunities. Whether students are just starting to consider gaining industry experience, actively looking for a placement or have already secured an opportunity, support is available at every stage of their placement journey.

While this article highlights the support provided by Shinear and Katie to Sport and Exercise Science students, the wider Work-Based and Placement Learning Team works across all schools within the HITS Faculty, supporting students from a range of subject areas.

The team recognises that every student's journey is different and aims to ensure students understand the opportunities available and feel informed and supported throughout the process.

Getting in touch

Students can find out more about the team's work, access useful resources and keep up to date with placement opportunities and news through the Work-Based and Placement Learning website and LinkedIn page.

Students can email Shinear, Katie and wider team at scienceplsu@ljmu.ac.uk to arrange a one-to-one meeting or discuss any placement-related queries.