smallbusiness.co.uk: Helping your business think big

Taking on students for work experience placement years can bring benefits to small businesses, executives say.

Marketing director of the Feel Good Drinks Company Steve Cooper, explains in the Times that students usually come into the firm with 'a completely fresh set of eyes' which can bring a new perspective on company practice.

He advises treating students the same way as the firm treats other members of staff - for example giving them the same benefits and pay as they would get if they were employed on a permanent basis.

James Coakes, founder and managing director of team-building company Progressive Resources, agrees that students should be given responsibility, saying to the Times that 'if you give a child a big coat you know they'll eventually grow into it'.

According to the National Council for Work Experience, sandwich years offer employers the chance to 'try out' their staff before taking them on permanently.

The council says that taking on work experience students can help improve a firm's productivity, lower costs and help the company to make better use of time.

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