Let's talk about… - Oxcentric

Let’s talk about…
Sponsorship
Sponsorship is a way of
receiving financial help
during your HE course, often
in exchange for periods of
employment with a sponsor;
this takes the form of a
contract between you and
the sponsor.
Ways in which sponsorship may be
offered:
• an annual salary for the duration of your
course
• a salary for a specific year e.g. gap year,
sandwich work placement or final year
• a bursary payment during term time plus
a salary for vacation work.
Employers may expect you to join the
company after your course and some insist
you work for a minimum period once you
finish training. However, sponsorships do
not necessarily guarantee you a job.
Who might offer sponsorship?
Sponsorship is offered by a range of
organisations including public and
private companies, professional bodies,
government departments, local authorities
and the armed services. The main
subject areas attracting sponsorship are
engineering, pure and applied science,
accountancy, economics and computer
science. It is also possible to find some
in retailing, finance and business. Some
companies require you to attend a specific
course or institution, whereas others are
more flexible. It is possible to be sponsored
on both full-time and sandwich courses.
The latter are often more likely to attract
sponsorship, as you can gain a year’s
work experience alongside your academic
studies.
Advantages include:
• extra money
• potential paid work during the holidays
• work experience and training
• gaining experience of business culture
• gaining confidence in the working world
• the possibility of a job at the end of your
studies.
Disadvantages include:
• making an initial career decision at 17
• finding yourself on a course you wouldn’t
have otherwise chosen
• going to an institution not chosen by you
• sponsorship may affect your entitlement
to a student loan, depending on how
much you earn
• having to work during the long summer
vacation
• being committed to working for the
company for a specified period of time.
What do I need?
Entry requirements vary but in general
sponsors may specify:
• certain advanced level subjects
• number of UCAS points
• relevant work experience
• personal qualities e.g. an inquiring mind,
creativity, ambition, enthusiasm
• skills including teamwork
and communication.
When should I apply?
The best time to apply varies between
companies but you should start researching
the opportunities during the first year of
your advanced level studies. You apply for
the course in the normal way but if the
sponsor wishes you to complete a year in
employment first, you may need to defer
your university course for a year.
Scholarships
Scholarships are another source of finance.
These may be offered by charitable trusts,
a university department or a company,
however these would not normally include
the offer of employment.
For more information
• M marketing@imeche.org.uk
and request a copy of Engineering
Opportunities
• M www.scholarship-search.org.uk
• Check out company, professional body
and university websites as these can
be a valuable source of sponsorship
and scholarship information.
• Guide to Student Money 2011
(Trotman)
20
for careers info go to M www.connexionsoxfordshire.com, then click on eCLIPS