Placement for Employers

Work-Based Learning at the University of Galway

At the University of Galway, we are dedicated to enhancing our student's employability through practical, hands-on experience.

Work placement is an accredited module integrated into an increasing number of undergraduate programs. During their placement, students contribute meaningfully to the workplace while their performance is academically assessed as part of their overall year’s evaluation.

Partnering with us to host a work placement student offers numerous benefits. Many organizations return year after year, impressed by the high calibre of our students and the valuable contributions they bring to their teams.

Unlock the Power of Placement Students – A Win for Businesses of All Sizes!

Partnering with the University of Galway for placement opportunities isn’t just an investment—it’s a game-changer for your business, whether you’re a small start-up or a large enterprise. Here’s how it benefits all organisations:

🚀 Tap into Fresh, Skilled Talent
Placement students bring the latest knowledge and cutting-edge insights from academia directly into your workplace. No matter your company’s size, they’re ready to apply their skills to your projects, driving real value with up-to-date expertise.

💡 Flexible, Cost-Effective Support
Whether you’re managing a small team or overseeing large-scale operations, students provide adaptable, resourceful, and budget-friendly support, helping you stay agile and efficient without straining your resources.

✨ Ignite Innovation & Creativity
A fresh perspective can completely transform your workplace! Placement students challenge traditional thinking, introduce new ideas, and bring innovative solutions that spark creativity across your team—whether you’re looking for new strategies or improved processes.

📊 Dedicated Expertise for Key Projects
Free up your core team to focus on strategic priorities, regardless of your organisation’s size, while placement students take the reins on key projects. Their hands-on approach delivers results and allows your business to thrive with additional support.

🎯 Screen & Select the Perfect Fit
You’re in control! Businesses have the opportunity to screen and interview placement students to find the perfect match for your needs. This means you get the best fit for your team, ensuring that the student’s skills align with your goals and company culture.

💼 Build Your Future Workforce
Engaging with placement students is the perfect way to identify top talent for future hiring. Cultivate a strong pipeline of potential employees who already understand your company culture, giving you a competitive edge in recruitment.

Start building your future workforce today and experience the power of fresh ideas and skilled support, whether you’re a growing start-up or an established business, from the University of Galway’s placement students!

Enhancing Student Placements for Mutual Success

A well-structured placement benefits both students and employers by ensuring that students engage in meaningful work aligned with their studies and your organization's goals. When given real responsibilities or project-based tasks, students contribute effectively, feel valued, and develop essential workplace skills.

In contrast, assigning only routine or repetitive tasks may limit student engagement and reduce the overall value of the placement for both parties. Investing in a student’s development leads to a more productive and rewarding experience for all.

Employer Responsibilities

✔ Provide a safe work environment with IT access and a dedicated workspace.
✔ Assign a relevant project or work area suited to the student’s skills.
✔ Offer supervision and financial support for the duration of the placement.
✔ Facilitate visits from the student’s Academic Supervisor/Placement Officer.
✔ Complete an Assessment Report and endorse the student’s final report/presentation.

Before placement, employers complete a Company Assessment Form to confirm a safe and suitable work environment.

Placement Payment & Insurance

Compensation depends on the industry and course requirements, but where placements are paid, the minimum wage is generally expected.
University of Galway students on compulsory work placements are covered by the university’s insurance policy.

By investing in structured, engaging placements, employers not only support future talent but also gain motivated, skilled contributors to their teams.

School of Science & Engineering Programmes & Placement Officers

Looking to bring fresh talent into your team? Our placement students are eager to apply their skills and gain real-world experience.

Contact our Placement Officer to discuss how we can connect you with the right candidate.

Placement Officer: Fiona Curran

Placement Officer: Paul O'Rahilly

Placement Officer: Aisling Roche

Placement Officer: Marie Monahan

Placement Officer: Emma Marron

School of Business, Public  Policy & Law Programmes & Placement Officers

Looking to bring fresh talent into your team? Our placement students are eager to apply their skills and gain real-world experience.

Contact our Placement Officer to discuss how we can connect you with the right candidate.

Placement Officer: Maria Gilligan

Placement Officer: Fiona Keane

Placement Officer: Celia Killilea

Placement Officer: Marie Monahan

Placement Officer:Keeva.OShea

Placement Officer:Tara Kelly

Placement Officer: Maireaine Uiailin 

School of Arts, Social Science & Celtic Studies Programmes & Placement Officers

Looking to bring fresh talent into your team? Our placement students are eager to apply their skills and gain real-world experience.

Contact our Placement Officer to discuss how we can connect you with the right candidate.

Placement Officer: Kathryn McDermott

Placement Officer: Maeve Daly 

Placement Officer: Maireaine Uiailin 

Placement Officer: Emma Marron 

Placement Officer: Tracy Shovlin  

Non-EEA Student Immigration Permission Information for Employers

For a comprehensive guide for employers hiring non-EEA students in Ireland click Here