Springpod provides launchpad for Siemens’ move to online placements

Created in collaboration with the Springpod careers platform, the scheme recruited 700 students aged 14-18 for two weeks of training in April.

It will now stage a second round of virtual work experience from June 28 until July 11, says Brenda Yearsley, education development manager for Siemens Great Britain and Ireland. 

“There has been huge demand for our programme from all corners of the UK. We are delighted to be able to offer more school and college students the opportunity to learn about what we do at Siemens,” she said.

Siemens has for many years run a number of schemes to introduce young people and graduates to STEM careers.

However the onset of the Covid lockdown meant it was forced to scrap its face to face events and to reconsider its strategy.

Partnering with Springpod enabled the company to provide a bespoke and interactive, two-week programme, which included modules filled with activities, pre-recorded videos, quizzes and live webinars. 

“In more ordinary times, we would host students through in-person work experience to facilitate this demand. But the pandemic made us rethink how we could continue to offer this valuable experience to young people,” added Yearsley.

“It has been fantastic working with Springpod to deliver a programme which has been able to reach more young people, increase diversity and inclusion, inspire a career in STEM, and showcase Siemens as a career path.”

The programme involves 10 hours of activity which can be completed over a fortnight. On completion, students earn a certificate which can be used for a CV and Personal Statement. 

Managing director of Springpod Sam Hyams remarked: “This virtual work experience programme will be invaluable to young people considering a career in the world of engineering and technology, and I’m delighted that due to our successful partnership, Siemens have chosen to host the programme again with us later this month.”