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SETU Waterford offers a broad range of academic programmes from levels 6 to 10 on the national framework of qualifications across Business, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Science and Computing.

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Discover the routes into studying at SETU Waterford for school leavers, adult learners, further education students, graduates and people who have already started studies elsewhere as well as options for those interested in online courses.

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SETU Waterford offers a broad range of academic programmes from levels 6 to 10 on the national framework of qualifications across Business, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Science and Computing.

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International

The Office for International Relations co-ordinates the admission, administration and support for international students throughout the course of their studies at SETU Waterford.

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Research

SETU Waterfordis recognised as the leading research performer in the institute of technology sector with research activities that are internationally benchmarked, strategic, and economically relevant. Find out about the amazing multi disciplinary research under way

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From virtual events to conferences, talks, public lectures and happenings in on-campus venues SETU Waterford is a hub of activity. Stay up to date with our calendar of upcoming events.

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Work placement has many benefits for students, employers and WIT.    

Students:

The overall benefit to students is the opportunity to integrate theory and practise in their chosen field by bringing their classroom learning into the real world.  Their employability is increased by the need to focus on personal transferable skills, such as teamwork, self-motivation, analytical skills, communication, problem solving and taking criticism and direction. 

Students will often develop greater self-confidence and self-awareness as a result of their experiences.  The time spent in the workplace may cement their career aspirations and bring about a new sense of ambition, commitment and purpose and provides an enhanced understanding of the practicalities of the work environment.

Benefits of Work Placement to students

  • Provides the opportunity to put course theory into practice.
  • Chance to learn new knowledge and skills, both course-related and personal.
  • Gives an insight into working life, develops self-awareness and supports students in making career decisions.  It also helps students to become more confident in their skills and abilities and how they can contribute to an organisation.
  • Development of the CV, highlighting new skills and achievements and enhances employability and job prospects after graduation.
  • Creates a network of potential contacts for the future.


Employers

Work placement offers employers the opportunity to assess potential employees before awarding them longer-term contracts which can prove to be a very cost effective recruitment strategy.  They can also benefit from the input of fresh ideas and innovations from enthusiastic and motivated students.  For some employers, it is an opportunity to address short-term company needs such as covering staff leave, helping out at busy periods or undertaking projects for which no-one else has the time within the business.

Reasons employers recruit students

  • Students offer a source of skilled labour and an insight into new practices being taught in HEIs and can bring new ideas and perspectives into the workplace. 
  • They can provide a flexible and cost-effective solution to recruitment needs and help ease staff workload at busy times.
  • Employers can identify potential new recruits for future graduate recruitment, by giving them the opportunity to assess potential employees before awarding them longer-term contracts.
  • It develops links with HEIs for a range of purposes, such as R&D.

The recruitment procedure at SETU Waterford is flexible and open to the needs of individual employers.  In most cases, the Placement Coordinator advertises a job specification for the placement role internally to the students, with an indication of the skills required, etc. 

Students apply for the role by submitting a CV and these are then sent to the employer for review.  If students are shortlisted for interview, the Interview sessions can be held either at the SETU Waterford campus or the employer's premises.

Process

A Best Practice Guide for Employers

PDF Download Employers' Guide

A Best Practice Guide for Students

PDF Download Students' Guide

Food Science with Business  Eleanor Kent [email protected]
Pharmaceutical Science Helen Hughes [email protected]
Physics for Modern Technology Claire Keary  [email protected]
Physics for Modern Technology Cathy Walsh       [email protected]  

Forestry 

Tom Kent  [email protected]
Horticulture             Cara Daly [email protected]
Work Placement Secretary Eleanor Reade [email protected]