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EMPLOYER
PLACEMENT INFORMATION
placement report form
To be completed by the employer
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The work
placement is a very important part of the course here in Plymouth
- it is an opportunity not simply to observe the publishing process,
but to become a part of it - it allows students to put into practice
the knowledge they have thus far gained, and to develop the skills
they are learning. In this sense it is the most important part of
the course as it allows them to form ideas about their future career
paths, and where they feel they would be able to contribute most to
the industry.In
light of this, students feel that a few guidelines for both the
companies who generously offer their time and resources, and for
the students who visit them, would be advantageous. Students inform
the host company of their intentions during placement, this prepares
the student with an understanding of what they may expect. In this
way an agreement can be reached which will fulfil the needs of both
company and student. As
far as the student is concerned, they have acquired knowledge of
the publishing industry, which has yet to be put into practice.
Students would hope therefore that opportunities will be available
to participate fully in the processes, while at the same time the
necessary guidance and supervision could be offered. The degree
of this supervision should be discussed by the student and company,
and assessed as the student progresses.
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The
Work Placement in Context
Students come to Plymouth to follow the course from a variety of academic
backgrounds. First degree subjects range from English Literature to
Physiology. Each member of the course has a different career aim in
mind and has every chance to pursue any relevant opportunities which
present themselves to this end. Copy editing and proof reading of
manuscripts which are being produced by authors are often offered
to students. Similarly assignments are taken on which have direct
relevance to a commercially produced publication for the University
of Plymouth Press.The course typically caters for about ten students
per year and is centred around a well-equipped course base which contains
ten computer workstations with scanning and laser printing facilities.
Students attend seminars on all areas of the subject, have personal
tutorials, and are able to put into practice many of the techniques
of design and printing that have been discussed. Visits from representatives
of publishing companies and excursions to such sites as printers clearly
place all theoretical knowledge into a commercial context. The work
placement will provide students with more practical experience in
addition to the visits and excursions. |
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Length/Time
Each placement should last for at least 2 weeks and fall between the
beginning of April and the end of May. However both timing and length
of placement are negotiable. |
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course |
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Department
A 1 to 3 day induction is desirable to provide an overview of the
company, followed by time spent between one or two departments, depending
on the specialisation of the student, and with due consideration for
company structure. |
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course |
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Responsibility/Supervision
Students were asked to give their views on a preferred working environment,
and the consensus was as follows:
Increasing
responsibility as the placement progresses
Responsibility for an overall process
Decreasing level of supervision as the placement progresses
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Level
Whereas students realise that to gain experience in the industry it
is necessary to perform basic tasks, they would welcome the opportunity
to observe and assist with major projects. |
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Payment
A recent survey of opinion regarding the expenses inherent in the
work placement revealed that students of the publishing course would
be anxious to find as much financial assistance as possible. Although
students appreciate that such positions are seldom available, occasionally
in the past work placements where payment is offered have been secured.
Students also understand that they are responsible for making their
own travel and accommodation arrangements, though many would welcome
any assistance with travel or accommodation expenses, if at all possible. |
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course |
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Liability
Students are reminded that when on work placements the public or employer’s
liability insurance of the placement company provides cover. If in
doubt, the University recommends that students concerned should take
out their own insurance for personal accident and third party liability.
If required an indemnity form, signed by the Deputy Vice Chancellor,
is available. This indemnity will in no way limit the liability of
the organisation concerned for its own negligence. |
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course |
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Conclusion
Students of the MA Publishing course are assessed on their performance
during their placement. It is the aim of the course, through these
placements, to develop a rigorous professional approach to publishing
which should compliment the high standard of academic inquiry attained
in course work. |
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