The right work placement can have a huge impact on a student’s grades, employability and chances of thriving after graduation.

In 2023 we were only able to offer six Alumni Fund placement grants of £2,000 each so this year we are hoping to double this to make more placements available, especially to students from low-income backgrounds.

In an increasingly competitive job market, the experience a placement provides can give our students a valuable step up and that can motivate them to do their very best.

It is an opportunity to deepen learning in a chosen field and gain vital real-world experience, whether that’s in business, education, engineering or scientific research, it’s no exaggeration to say a placement can be a valuable, life-changing experience.

All placements aren’t equal

While some in areas such as business and finance are well-funded, meaning a student is paid for their 6-to-12-month position, many others in hospitals, laboratories, schools and charities are often low or even unpaid.

In fact, around 300 Bath students are offered unpaid and low-paid placements every year.