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Industrial Placements

 

Deferred entries

A number of students choose to defer their entry into the university and opt to take a year out before beginning the course. This is a good opportunity to obtain some valuable experience working with an engineering related organisation before you start your degree.

 

Pre-university internships

Prior to joining us here in the Department of Engineering, it can also be a great idea to gain technical skills by working with an engineering or technical company. With the increase in support for STEM related activities, a good place to start is to ask your school or education provider for advice and details on local companies who have supported school work placements. 

There are many websites that can provide guidance including Student LadderAll about careers, Ratemyplacement and the Nuffield Research Placement.

Year in Industry

The Year in Industry is a scheme set up by the Engineering Development Trust to provide a programme of experience in a STEM related environment that CUED are very happy to endorse. It is a straightforward placement between 9-12 months enhanced by additional skills training. A large number of CUED students have graduated through this scheme, which is backed by the EDT/Royal Academy of Engineering. Nationally, seventy percent of the participants go on to get a First Class or Upper Second Degree. 

Industrial Experience Requirements, Regulations and Reports

It is possible to complete your industrial experience prior to your arrival at CUED, however, the work that you undertake must meet CUED criteria and must be recorded as well as verified by the employer. Whether you go on a Year in Industry placement or organise your own, you can document your experience using our pre-university report template, it will help ensure that your period of work will qualify you for the industrial experience requirements, provided it successfully meets the criteria set out.

 

Sponsorship and Awards

Sponsorship value can vary considerably, and the most generous I’ve seen is the Army STEM bursary 

Some engineering institutions and companies offer scholarships and these may also include placements as part of the deal. You need to check the various web pages to find out which ones are currently on offer.  The following websites can help see what existing schemes are out there. Some of the info is duplicated or hasn’t been kept up to date but excellent for signposting.

Cambridge Trust

Institution of Engineering and Technology

Arkwright

Scholarship Hub

Born to Engineer

Women in Engineering

Study Green