Fashion/Design/Art placement years

[Localher0]

DD is currently in 2nd year Textile Design and looking to do a placement year next year. Just wondered if anyone else's DCs are doing the same and/or if your DC have recently done a year out what advice you could give?

@Localher0 Theres another thread going on industrial placements and I’m sorry to say it’s full of angst. It’s clearly difficult as nowhere near enough to go round. Unis don’t have enough links and it’s taking dc ages and then lots of rejections.

For what it’s worth: does the uni have contacts? Where does she think she might work? Is it worth it? Yes, if a job follows. However not getting anything is highly possible. Does she have a list of employers?

Thanks @TizerorFizz I did read through the other thread but it seemed mainly aimed at banking/accounting/corporate roles so thought I'd start an alternative arty/fashion one as the sectors are quite different.

DD has applied to quite a few already from big companies to smaller startups and she's part way through a couple of assessment processes. The uni are helpful and have good links with industry- some of her 2nd year projects are live briefs that could result in summer placements but she's wanting a full year out not just a summer internship.

Maybe there are some parents out there with kids going through similar ..... I was just speculatively asking. I'll keep an eye on the other thread too.

@Localher0 My DD2 went to LCF and they were supposed to find a placement for one semester. DD did but but many didn’t. I didn’t want to say how difficult it was! It’s offputting! Hope she does get something. DD didn’t study the same subject as your DD but so many placements seem to be who you know. We didn’t know anyone and LCF had virtually nothing for her course so everyone struggled.

Just some sympathy here. DD is in her last year of an Illustration course. She had signed up for the "with placement year" option but couldn't find anything suitable and switched to the three-year version of the course. (She's gained work experience in her back-up area by volunteering with a local museum instead, so we're very supportive of that.)

DD has a placement. Happy to pm @Localher0 you if you want. DD is in a similar line.

@PhotoDad Im beginning to think unis are “economical with the truth” when selling these year in industry degrees to young people. They never publish how many actually get placements and how they have found them. Via uni or via their own initiatives and no one ever admits to connections.

Hi @PhotoDad & @Philandbill nice to hear from you- I remember you both from our other arty thread 😬. I sort of agree with @TizerorFizz that the placement year is sold to our DCs but they have no idea of support they'll get. I think NTU held an employment event when DD met a number of potential employers but not course it's up to her to make the applications and there's no interview help.
@PhotoDad your DD's work is amazing and I seem to remember she's made the most of any opportunities she's had so far. @Philandbill I'll message you separately.
DD is in process with one employer and waiting for others to get back to her. I'll update when we have news!!

Just wondered if anyone has experience of the M&S Industrial Placement Scheme for Clothing & Home Design?

Quick update that DD has been successful and got the placement she wanted. Still not heard from M&S - don't know if they're one of those companies that don't reply if you're unsuccessful....?

@Localher0 That's great. Well done to your DD. Relief and celebrations 😁