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Employer Questions: How to Host a Nuffield Research Placement
As an employer, you can nurture future talent by hosting a Nuffield Research Placement.
Do you have a suitable project for a Year 12 learner?
Students are bright, capable and can complete a variety of tasks including data analysis, scoping and experimental design.
Take a look at this quick Q&A to see how you can get involved.
What is a Nuffield Research Placement?
Nuffield Research Placements give young people from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to gain skills and confidence in science and research. They are provided by the Nuffield Foundation as part of its mission to improve social well-being and educational opportunity across the UK and an independent evaluation has shown them to increase access to university courses in STEM subjects.
How long would a placement be?
4 – 6 weeks, which includes some independent study for the students ahead of the 2-3 week real-world research collaboration activities with their Project Supervisor.
Which projects work well?
A well-supervised but independent research project suitable for a 16/17 year-old. Projects must have broadly scientific, quantitative or technical content, but they don’t have to be based in a laboratory. They might be office-based or include a lot of fieldwork*, or they might focus on engineering, data analysis or computer science.
How do I offer a placement?
Nuffield Research Placements are administered by a network of regional coordinators across the UK. Your Nuffield coordinator will select students who are suitable for your project and will support them throughout the process. The first step is to have a conversation with your local coordinator, who will tell you all you need to know about hosting a student.
What about Covid-19?
*Due to the impact of COVID-19 and Government guidance and in respect of the limitations of the placement host organisation, on-site or fieldwork activities may not be able to go ahead. In the event that on-site research is not possible, it can go ahead online instead.
What are the benefits as an employer?
By hosting a Nuffield Research Placement you can support young people and diversify your workforce while forging strong links with schools and colleges in your local area.
You & your staff can gain the opportunity to apply and develop coaching, mentoring and management skills and in turn fulfil public engagement, widening participation and corporate and social responsibility goals.
This sounds like a fantastic opportunity, how do I find out more & get involved?
If you’re based in Cumbria, Lancashire, Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Cheshire, just click the links below. If not, click here to find your local coordinator.
For further information or to get started today, contact our team via [email protected]
All About STEM works on lots of exciting STEM projects. As part of the STEM Learning family, we manage the STEM Ambassador Hub in Merseyside, Cheshire and Warrington, working closely with the regional Science Learning Partnerships in Merseyside and Warrington and Cheshire and Stockport. Follow STEM Ambassador Hub Merseyside & Cheshire on Twitter .
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