Logistics Procurement and Supply Chain students at the University of South Wales are set to benefit from job opportunities across the Welsh public sector, thanks to a new placement scheme being developed.

The University is currently in talks with the Welsh Government to explore a pilot sandwich placement scheme in procurement departments of various departments in the Welsh public sector.

Students in the third year of the BSc (Hons) Logistics, Procurement and Supply Chain Management at USW will be involved in the scheme, with up to five placements on offer. The scheme will be for a fixed period of time, to work on specific projects that complement their studies.

The Welsh Government will fund the employment costs for each student for the fixed period. Following graduation, and subject to performance during placement, students may be given the opportunity to return part-time to their placement organisation.

The BSc (Hons) Logistics, Procurement and Supply Chain Management course is one of the most successful degrees at USW, with 100% of students seeking a placement year securing roles with local partners, ranging from manufacturing to public sector organisations.

Scott Parfitt, course leader, has worked with Julie Gould in the USW Placements team on this project.

He said:

“This scheme will help graduates to retain skills and grow the commercial capacity across the Welsh procurement community.

“This opportunity aims to provide the students with enough experience to be able to secure permanent posts across the public sector.”