Statement of Placement Trust towards rising issues about un(der)paid internships after Conservative Party is auctioning internships in top-firms for fundraising purposes.
Due to the rising issue of complaining students and graduates about unpaid “slavery” work called internships, Placement Trust would like to take a firm stand regarding the “Tory discussion”.
First of all, we agree that huge multinational firms should not take advantage of the work experience programme, by exploiting students. This applies to every company which would be able paying the internees at least minimum wages, as required by British law. It is a shame that commercial companies are making use of students as simple and cost-effective work assets, simply for their company benefit, while minimum wages would not harm the business’s profit in any way.
Moreover Placement Trust is aware of the danger containing in work experiences, since they get more and more a replacement for job entry positions. A work experience should not be a replacement for anything, but to build a proper basis for students to gain valuable insight into the work life and their respective fields. That is why placements are traditionally part of nearly every study programme.
However, one has to face the truth about the ongoing rat race in the current job market. Experiences need to be made, extra knowledge to be gained and unique selling points be build in order to set oneself apart from the crowd. That this is connected to paying, instead of making, money is a pity, but the bitter truth. Education should be available to everybody, no matter from which social class.
Nonetheless the work experience programme, or unpaid internships are nowadays crucial for ones resumé and show dedication, interest and a proactive attitude in the respective field.
Presently 95% of all jobs are arbitrated via friends, family or similar connections, hence a “foot in the door” by performing a placement can be an effective help to bring oneself to the market. That this is with costs involved is a pity, but not avoidable.
In the end the success of a performed placement does not entirely depend on the company’s intentions, but also widely on the student’s attitude and willingness to make an effort for their personal career.
Therefore Placement Trust tries to place students into suitable companies with eye on the personal development of skills and competencies for the benefit of the student as well as for the company.
We try to tailor the internship to the students needs and wishes to avoid being exploited. Our focus lies on small and medium-sized companies who are eager to offer students and graduates the opportunity to learn and develop themselves. Moreover Placement Trust will do its best to help its students, preventing a poor internship performance and to bring the work experience to its best!
