The Student Associates and Placement Scheme is for students interested in gaining experience in the children and young people's workforce while pursuing their studies.

Student Associates Scheme

The Student Associates Scheme, in association with the Plymouth Consortium gives you the chance to:

• discover what teaching is really like
• work alongside experienced teachers, and
• develop new skills

There is a tax-free bursary of £600 paid upon full completion of a 15 day placement spent in a Secondary School during the Scheme. The Scheme is open to students registered on a undergraduate degree in Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, ICT or Design and Technology; A or AS Levels in one or more of these subjects will also be accepted if you are not studying a degree in one of the above subjects.

Applicants must also have GCSE or equivalent A-C in Maths, Science and English.

You must have a Somerset address.

Student Placement Scheme

The Student Placement Scheme gives you the chance to:

There is a tax-free bursary of £200 paid upon full completion of a 15 day placement spent in a Primary School or Early Years setting during the Scheme. The Scheme is open to students registered on a HND, foundation degree, undergraduate degree and postgraduate programmes. 

Applicants must also have GCSE or equivalent A-C in Maths, Science and English.

You must have a Somerset address.

What does the Scheme entail?

All students participating in the Scheme must attend a 2 day intensive training and induction programme, to prepare them for working with children or young people. You will then spend a period of time in a school or early years setting working alongside experienced teachers and practitioners assisting them in classroom teaching.

You must attend 2 training days on the 20th and 21st June 2011

Placements will be Tuesday 28th June - Monday 18th July (week days only)

Please note the placements start on Tuesday due to Glastonbury festival ending on Monday 27th June.

What are the benefits of the Scheme?

Guided by experienced teachers or early years practitioners, you will gain experience of how to work with pupils in the classroom, or children within a children's centre or other early years setting. The Scheme gives you the opportunity to develop new skills, contribute to helping raise the attainment and aspirations of young people in schools and gain first hand experience of what a career in teaching involves. 

How do you apply to join the Scheme?

You will need to contact the SCIL directly, who will support you in your application, SCIL are working in partnership with the University of Plymouth, who you will then be able to register with online, as participating within the SAS/SPS, and receive further materials electronically.

"I'd recommend the scheme very strongly indeed. This time last year I was considering several career options and the hands-on approach was much more informative than any careers event."

Scheme Overview Find more information from this overview (please read this information before applying)

Student Associate/ Placement Scheme Application Form To apply download the application form and email to SCIL@somerset.gov.uk before the deadline, Friday 15th April 2011.