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The judging process 2007/08

The NCWE Awards brought to light the exceptionally high standard of work experience opportunities that organisations are providing for students. A number of people have asked us what it was that set the winners apart from the rest and what they can do to improve on their already high standard of placements. In other words – can we share the elements of best practice that we discovered during the awards process. Below is a summary of what the judges were looking for and the factors which set the winners apart – even if only slightly – from the rest.

The judging panel 2007/08

Following short-listing in January, the judging panel met in February to decide upon the winners of the NCWE Awards. The key areas the judges were looking at were the benefits to the organisation for recruiting a student, benefits to the student in terms of skills and personal development as well as what makes the scheme stand out from others.

Judges reviewed the entry forms received and all of the entries were anonymised to ensure all decisions were impartial.

The judging panel comprised of: Andy Farley, Fundraising Manager, Princes Trust; Dr Harry Kelly, Chemistry Recruitment Manager, GlaxoSmithKline; Dr Paul Redmond, Head of Careers & Employability Service, University of Liverpool; Fateha Khalik, Publishing Executive, Graduate Prospects and former placement student at the organisation.

How the NCWE Awards 2007/08 were judged

When deciding this year’s Award winners, the judges were looking for commitment and implementation of good practice. Thus they were looking for those employers who put time and effort into helping students develop employability skills, as well as recognising that employing a student could have discernible benefits to their business.

With the above in mind short-listed organisations were judged on the following criteria: -

Recruitment and induction

  • How thorough are the recruitment and induction processes?
  • Does anything stand out as exceptional or lacking?

Placement support
  • Consider the variety of student support available.
  • Does anything stand out as exceptional or lacking?

Placement goals and objectives

  • The impact/business benefits to the company resulting from the placement
  • Evidence of the student’s academic/personal development as a result of the placement

Student assessment, monitoring and feedback
  • Consider the level and frequency of the organisations assessment, monitoring and feedback mechanisms.
  • How much does end of programme evaluation and feedback effect the development of their placement programme in future years

General placement overview
  • Examples of what makes this programme stand out