Guidelines for the Organization of Practical Placements for

Students (PPS)

Code of Practice for Actors

Gregory Makrides – European Association of Erasmus Coordinators (EAEC)

Xenia Constantinou – University of Cyprus (UCY)

Table of Contents

Creating the Network

• The role of a network

• Benefits from creating a network

• Types of networks

Types of Networks for Mobility Projects

• Local network / regional network / national network

• The university-enterprise network

• Role of European Networks

• Role of National Agencies

Partners to the Network

Needs and Expectations from the Partners

Step-to-Step Procedure for Creating Database of Providers

• Step 1: Whom to contact to get existing databases

• Step 2: How to communicate it

• Step 3: Whom to contact from the enterprise

• Step 4: Comprise the list of interested enterprises

Quality Procedure for Providers

Obligations of the Host Organization:• Negotiate and agree a tailor-made Training Agreement (including the programme of the placement and the

recognition arrangements) for each student and the adequate mentoring arrangements.• Assign to students tasks and responsibilities (as stipulated in the Training Agreement) to match their knowledge,

skills, competencies and training objectives and ensure that appropriate equipment and support is available.• Draw a contract or equivalent document for the placement in accordance with the requirements of the national

legislation.• Appoint a mentor to advise students, help them with their integration in the host environment and monitor their

training progress.• Provide practical support if required, check appropriate insurance cover and facilitate understanding of the culture

of the host country.• Provide a safe workplace where the student is able to develop and practice their skills or observe work activities. • Ensure that the student is appropriately inducted into the organisation. • Inform relevant staff members of the presence of the student, and the reasons and purpose for the placement. • Make available to students written administrative guides such as policies and rules, procedure manuals,

equipment and directions for use of such equipment. • Inform the student of the organisation’s occupational health and safety requirements and procedures. • Provide emergency care for students in case of accident or illness whilst on placement and contact a nominated

University staff member as soon as practicable. • Allow visits by University staff to assess and monitor the student’s progress. • Provide adequate public risk insurance cover in relation to loss, damage or injury suffered by students as a result

of acts of and omissions by the host organisation, its employees and third parties. • Acknowledge that the contribution of University staff and students is supernumerary for the purposes of

determining the staffing resources of the host organisation. • Participate in the evaluation of the student’s performance as required.

Evaluation of the Entire Procedure

Indicators:

The Code of Practice (CoP)

• For the organization of Practical Placements for Students we need to adopt a “Rule Book”, what we will call the “Code of Practice” concerning the procedure, the approach and the main principles underlying this cooperation.

• The “rule book” should be developed in a two-fold character; on the one to cover the needs and the modus of operation of the enterprises, and on the other to be able to respond to the needs of higher education establishments.

• This “contract” should be binding for both sides and the liaison for this is always the student undertaking the placement.

• Part of the organization of a placement network is the development of a “Code of Practice” for all related stakeholders.

Challenges

• Develop rules

• Identify different procedures in each organizations

• Work with academics and entrepreneurs

Common Understanding of the CoP

Benefits for all partners

Learning outcomes clearly defined

Responsibilities of each partner are made explicit

Avoid prejudices of any kind

General Principles

• Responsibilities for academic standards and quality are clearly defined

• The intended learning outcomes contribute to the overall aims of the programme

• Any assessment is part of a coherent assessment strategy.

Intended Learning Outcomes

• Negotiable

• Equal opportunities provided to all students

• Formal outcomes or not?

Assessment

• The role of assessment

• The targets of an assessment

• External examiners role

Responsibilities for the Placement Partners

• Awarding institutions have in place all necessary procedures

• Awarding institutions know their responsibilities

• Students are aware of responsibilities and rights

Information, Support & Guidance

Students have appropriate information, support and guidance prior and throughout their placement regarding

- The nature of the placement

- The type of support and guidance available

Enterprises also have advance information and time to study it

Staff Development

• Staff appropriately qualified

• Measures to monitor the proficiency of staff

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Effective policies and procedures for monitoring all aspects of practical placement

Summary

• General Principles

• Responsibilities

• Information, Support and Guidance

• Staff Development

• Monitoring and Evaluation

-thank you-