Work Based Learning

Work Based Learning - Background

In order to comply with the Awarding Body specification, the student should work for a minimum of 400 hours in total.   

The placement is an opportunity to apply theory to practice, address specific assessment criteria and to develop practical skills to industry standards.  Whilst there will be variations according to the specific nature of the placement, students will be expected to address the following: - 

• Apply the knowledge they have acquired in a workplace environment; 

• Gain valuable work experience; 

• Gain an insight into the areas of Mechanical / Product Design engineering industry; 

• Develop their personal skills: self-confidence, self-discipline, responsibility, team working etc.; 

• Clarify their future career path; 

The college would also expect the work experience offered to mirror the role of a professional engineer within your organisation. 

The student should address the objectives, as established before the placement, through the everyday work within the organisation.  The student will take responsibility for recording their own progress and completing a self-evaluation report.  We would ask the nominated employer supervisor/mentor to endorse the completed work and provide comments as appropriate. 

It is expected that the College /Course Placement Supervisor will visit the student, at least once, whilst on placement to discuss progress with the student and their workplace supervisor/mentor.

ONE‑PAGE GUIDE: CVs, COVER LETTERS & FINDING A PLACEMENT

✅ Why Placements Matter

• Gain real engineering experience and develop practical + soft skills.
  • Build industry contacts and strengthen applications.
  • Boost confidence and improve interview performance.

📄 Building a Strong CV

• Use Arial/Calibri, clean layout, avoid heavy graphics.
  • Structure: Personal Details, Profile, Education, Projects, Experience, Skills, Interests.
  • Use short bullet points + CAR model (Context–Action–Result).
  • Showcase engineering skills: CAD, teamwork, communication, problem‑solving.

✉️ Writing an Effective Cover Letter

• Intro – who you are + purpose.

• Why the organization – based on research.

• Why you – skills, experience, match to role.

• Sign‑off – polite and confident.

🔍 Researching Companies

• Explore top NI companies: Ulster Business Top 100

• Manufacturing & Engineering Top 100: Insider Media Manufacturing 100

• Top 10 Engineering Employers Ireland: GradIreland Top Employers

• Check company websites, social media, mailing lists.

• Use local tools like Yell to search companies near you.

• Attend job fairs, employer events, apprenticeship expos.

Useful Links: Prospects | GradIreland | NI Direct Careers | Yell (Local Employers) | Gradcracker (Engineering)

🛠️ Finding a Placement

• Search: NIJobs, Indeed, LinkedIn, Gradcracker.
  • Network with tutors, friends, family and employers.
  • Use speculative emails + follow‑ups.
  • Keep a log of all applications.

🎓 Careers Support (Belfast Met)

• CV checks, mock interviews, and placement guidance.
  • Email: careers@belfastmet.ac.uk