University launches micro-placement scheme for mature students
Posted on: 17 August, 2026
By Linda Serck
A new work experience scheme designed around the lives of mature, working and part-time students has been launched by the University of the Built Environment.
The University’s micro-placement programme offers short periods of structured experience with built environment employers, providing an alternative to the traditional internship or year in industry that can be difficult to accommodate alongside an existing career, mortgage, children or caring responsibilities.
Open to all UK-based non-apprenticeship students, the innovative programme offers a maximum of 20 placements, most lasting for one week.
The University’s Careers Consultant Bridget Wells said: “We know many of our students are already working while they study, so asking somebody to step away from their existing job for several weeks or months simply isn’t realistic.
“By keeping most of our micro-placements to one week, we want to make valuable industry experience much more achievable.”
Work experience and the mature student
There is evidence that conventional placement models can leave mature students behind. A 2022 University study analysing six years of data from more than 26,000 undergraduates found mature students were the least likely group to undertake an optional work placement year, with an uptake of just 4.2%.
The National Careers Service describes internships as typically lasting around two to three months, and “often aimed at undergraduates and recent graduates, but there are some opportunities for school leavers”. That model can be harder to accommodate for students arriving in higher education with substantial existing commitments. UCAS says around 40% of mature students are over 30, with many balancing “their studies alongside work or caring responsibilities”.
Finances can create another obstacle. Sutton Trust research published in 2025 found 61% of internships reported by recent graduates were either unpaid or underpaid, while 40% of those who had completed an unpaid internship relied on financial support from their parents.
The University’s micro-placements are also unpaid, with any contribution towards expenses left to individual employers, but the one-week format is designed to make participation more manageable for students who may need to take annual leave from their existing jobs.
Bridget said: “It gives students the chance to connect their academic knowledge with real-life experience, build their confidence and gain something valuable to add to their CV.”
‘Micro-placement changed everything for me’
The potential of the shorter model has already been demonstrated at the University during a successful pilot.
MSc Building Surveying graduate Alicja Salter was 49 and changing career when she took part in the micro-placement scheme.
The Careers Team matched Alicja with Tyburn Consulting, a building surveying practice based in Sussex, for a two-week placement. She assisted with report writing and joined surveyors on client site visits in London, gaining her first opportunity to work inside the profession she had been studying to enter.
“Micro-placement changed everything for me as a career changer,” Alicja said. “Getting your first chance in the industry is the hardest part.”
At the end of the placement, Tyburn offered her a permanent position. Managing Director Andy Bowden-Hall described the pilot as a success and said he would take part again.
Experience and transferable skills
Bridget said: “A student changing career may already bring years of experience and transferable skills from another industry, but they still need that first opportunity to experience their new profession from the inside.
“We hope these placements will give more students that opening, whether it confirms they are on the right career path, strengthens their CV or, as we saw with Alicja, leads to an opportunity they might never otherwise have had.”
How to apply
Students can apply through an application form during a four-week application window. As demand is expected to exceed the maximum 20 places available, shortlisted applicants are invited to an online interview with the Careers Team before successful students are matched with a placement.
All placements happen in person at the employer’s workplace, with students allocated a mentor or line manager. Activities may include work shadowing, report writing, attending meetings and site visits, with some flexibility around working hours.
To find out more, please email: careers@ube.ac.uk
