Would you be interested in offering a placement to a University College Isle of Man (UCM) student in spring 2023 so they could assist your business to become more sustainable?
How your organisation would benefit from hosting a student:
As a Biosphere business, you are already committed to playing your part in a sustainable future, but you may lack the time and/or expertise to develop further in this area. A student would work with you over five weeks, on an agreed project(s), bringing fresh ideas and impetus. While placement students will be undertaking a wide variety of degree subjects, many have a keen interest in sustainability, a subject embedded in UCM learning. Their area of study usually influences what they can offer your organisation: from IT projects to business analysis, policy or literature review, developing a sustainability strategy and getting staff engagement. You would be supporting a local undergraduate in developing valuable skills in the workplace and further demonstrating your support for UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man. If students continue their study to a higher level, they may be willing to return to your business a second time.
How a student would benefit from a work placement with your business:
Whatever degree subject they are studying, students undertake work placements to develop skills in consultancy, research, communication, enterprise, team work, facilitation, etc. They also gain ‘real work’ experience and, hopefully, confidence.
How does our UNESCO Biosphere benefit from this scheme?
The UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme is keen young people are involved in delivering its core global functions of sustainable development, conservation and learning and that the citizens of the future are heard.
What would your business need to offer?
Students would benefit from an induction into your business, prior to or upon joining you. It would be mandatory for you to offer a health and safety briefing. Students would work at your premises or virtually or a combination of both, depending on your requirements. A nominated member of your staff will negotiate the agreed project(s) and then support the student as necessary during the five weeks. A short appraisal questionnaire is typically required at the completion of the placement.
Cost of getting involved in the scheme:
Free.
Dates of placements:
Placements would usually commence on Monday 24th April 2023 for five weeks. There may be an opportunity to negotiate exact dates.
Contact for more information/to register an interest:
Gail Corrin, UCM Higher Education Manager - gail.corrin@ucm.ac.im
If possible please include a brief summary of the project(s) you have in mind.
Please advise that you are a Partner of UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man.
Deadline to respond:
31st January 2023
What will happen after you register?
You will be contacted by UCM to discuss any interested undergraduate students and confirm dates and complete (small amount) of paperwork.
UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man will seek to feature a number of participating businesses in their publicity. UCM will therefore share details of businesses registered with the Biosphere office and you may be contacted.
Personal data:
The Department of Education, Sport and Culture is the controller but will share your business’s name, contact person and email address with UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man, part of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, for the purpose of the joint administration and promotion of the UNESCO Biosphere Isle of Man and University College Isle of Man Undergraduate Sustainability Student Placement Scheme.