Access to Talent

Our work-based learning opportunities offer many benefits to businesses large and small

Tap into our talented pool of students and graduates who are eager to find work-based learning opportunities

From work placements to business clinics, they’re energetic, knowledgeable, and we’ve been preparing them to excel in business and enterprise. Or you can partner with USW and our industry connections to develop apprenticeship programmes to train your existing workforce or new apprentice recruits.

Apprenticeships

You’ll benefit from the energy and new thinking students bring into your organisation, while they get to learn from you at the same time.

Placements vary in style and length – from live briefs and virtual placements for individuals or groups, to in-person placements from 30 hours to 12 months long.

Provide a placement

Higher and degree apprenticeships

What are they?

An alternative to traditional university study that gives your employees the chance to gain a qualification, professional skills and specialist knowledge.

Who can access them and at what level?

You can either recruit or enrol current employees in higher or degree apprenticeships – which range from A Level to Master’s level. Apprentices gain professional qualifications, while you gain the new skills and initiatives they bring into your organisation.

How can we help you gain apprentices?

We work with organisations across Wales and England to develop collaborative, responsive and resilient partnerships. We’ll work with you closely at every stage, from initial programme development to graduation. We understand the training levy – through which you can access government funding – and the processes involved in developing apprenticeship programmes.

Find out more about higher apprenticeships – level 3 to 5

Find out more about university-level apprenticeships – level 6+

Providing opportunities to work, earn and learn

Students get to work in a local business 3 days a week while studying at USW 2 days a week. They get excellent qualifications, teaching and learning facilities while working and earning at the same time.

Available to new students and existing employees.

More about Network75

Need help with a problem or knowledge gap at your organisation?

From SMEs to multi-national and non-profit organisations, business students can get to the root of the problem, providing a detailed report and presentation of their recommendations.

This can be a huge benefit for businesses, and wonderful real-world experience for students.

Contact the South Wales Business Clinic

We're delighted to provide a complimentary service for employers to showcase their opportunities on CareersConnect for our students and graduates. Whether it's a full-time position, a part time job, a placement or a rewarding volunteering experience, we're here to connect talented individuals with meaningful roles.

If you have any specific queries or need further assistance get in touch [email protected]

To get started:

Register your organisation via CareersConnect.
Agree to our Terms and Conditions for advertising vacancies.
Choose your opportunity type.
Provide detailed information to attract and inform our students and graduates.

We'll approve and share your opportunity.

Raise the profile of your organisation and your opportunities through engaging with our students at events and other activities. Work with us to develop the talent pipeline you need through building relationships with our courses.

The following events can be booked via our system CareersConnect. To get started click on the button, register your organisation and agree to our Terms and Conditions.

Careers Fairs - meet our students in person to promote your placements and graduate opportunities at our Autumn and Spring Fairs.

Experience Works Fairs - meet our students in person to promote your work experience and volunteering opportunities.

Part Time Jobs Fairs - recruit our students into your part-time roles at our PT Jobs Fairs.

Pop-Up Employer Stands - host a stand in a busy location where you can meet students informally. For Treforest campus book using CareersConnect, please email to request for other locations [email protected].

If you are interested in other events or activities for example below, please email [email protected].

Presentations / Webinars - deliver a short talk on your organisation and your opportunities giving an insight into your recruitment and selection processes.

Freestanding Events - we are happy to promote your freestanding events via our events calendar.

Skills Session - deliver an interactive workshop to help students prepare for recruitment and selection activities such as applications, assessment centres, interviews, video interviews, psychometrics etc.

Mock Interviews - students value constructive feedback from employers to help develop their skills.

Guest Lectures - many of our courses have opportunities for industry professionals to deliver subject expert talks or masterclasses within the curriculum.

Inspire others by sharing your unique experiences, career knowledge, and expertise.

Our mentoring scheme gives you the opportunity to support our students in developing their own career idea. We facilitate the connection between professionals (mentors) and students (mentees).

Why become a mentor?

Enhance your skills, such as communication and coaching.
Give back to the community.
Connect with potential future recruits.
Elevate the visibility of your organisation.
Gain a fresh perspective.
Stay Informed about advancements in higher education and qualification frameworks.
Expand your Professional Network.

The scheme offers flexibility to suit both parties, with a six-month commitment and monthly meetings. You can engage with your mentee in-person, via phone, or online — whichever suits both of you. Initial and ongoing email contact is expected. Mentors may also invite mentees to shadow them at work or attend meetings to observe their role.

If you would be interested in becoming a mentor, please email [email protected]

It's very rewarding seeing the students' progress and knowing that I am helping. I know I would have been very thankful to have an on-hand industry professional there to help guide me, so I am thankful to be that person for these students.' Andy James Ltd

Get in touch