Professional Work Placements in England, UK

Business English Study & Work Placement

BBSI arranges professional placements in industry, commerce, the professions and elsewhere. Such placements are suitable for trainees with an upper-Intermediate to Advanced level in English, who have work experience in their own country. The aim is for trainees to broaden their experience in a vocational environment, as well as hone their English-language skills, with a view to improving their careers, as well as their knowledge and experience. Placements, which are full-time, are normally between 8 and 12 weeks duration, and follow a minimum of 4 weeks of specialised English study at BBSI. However, applicants outside the EU/EEA must spend at least an equal number of weeks studying and working in order to qualify for a visa on this programme.

The choice of course to be studied prior to each placement is for each student to decide. However, BBSI recommends the year-round 12-week Communications & Business Skills study programme, or one of our business or professional certificate, higher-certificate or diploma courses.

Following their study period, trainees are placed in work with a business that is complementary to their current or planned career. The work undertaken during the period of each placement is unpaid, and should be considered as part of the ongoing training programme. However, trainees must understand that they cannot specify a particular company or location. BBSI closely monitors progress during the work placement to ensure that the experience is a satisfactory one for all concerned. References are normally provided by employers on completion of the placement.

Work Placement Opportunities

There are certain professions in which BBSI cannot provide placements. However, the following is a selection of fields in which BBSI has previously provided placements:

marketing	healthcare
business support	travel agency
hotels & catering	law firms
local government	electrics/electronics
department stores

Training Outcomes

On successful completion of a BBSI study and work-placement programme, trainees are issued with a BBSI Certificate, Higher-Certificate, or Diploma in their chosen subject, a BBSI Certificate of Placement,and an NCFE Certificate of Work Placement. Each trainee will also have produced a Portfolio of Work to document their experiences. That documentation will serve individuals well in future employment applications.

It needs to be recognised that to a large degree what happens during a work placement is outside of the control of BBSI. The work can be challenging, and the responsibility for making the placement a success rests mainly with the student. However many of our students have had highly successful and enjoyable placements.

Terms & Conditions

Please note that the following terms and conditions apply for professional work placements:

A particular work placement is not guaranteed and is subject to trainees successfully passing
a job interview.
Trainees must be as flexible as possible concerning the type of placement they are seeking.Should a trainee be successful at interview, that trainee is obliged to accept that work placement. Should an individual refuse the work, however, BBSI is under no obligation to arrange a further interview. Should a trainee be unsuccessful at a particular interview, BBSI may arrange further interviews up to a maximum of 3 in total. Should a trainee be unsuccessful in all 3 work interviews, there will be no refund of placement fees. Trainees must understand that, if placed in work successfully, they are representing BBSI and should act accordingly, with both integrity and professionalism. Trainees must understand that, if asked to leave their work placement for reasons of misconduct, BBSI will not find alternative work, nor will there be any refund of placement fees.

 Download a PDF of the Professional Work Placement Leaflet.

Professional Work Placement Leaflet