Ease the blow of university fees

With the news that students could now be facing tuition fees of up to £3,000, it is more important than ever to look at alternative ways of earning money to fund higher education. The Year in Industry has been helping students with this for over 16 years.

The Year in Industry is a national charity organisation, which places bright, well-motivated students in industry for their gap year before their degree. It's a great scheme where talented young people are paid whilst gaining valuable industrial experience. This money can go a long way in subsidizing the cost of living when starting out at university. The work experience increases their chances of sponsorship though university, helps students get a better degree, and also increases chances of employment after graduation.

Be aware
At this time when university fees and graduate debt are increasing, students should be aware of schemes like this which can help with sponsorship and employment prospects.

Anis's experience
Anis Ahmed spent his gap year working as a control engineer for Pilkington Automotive UK Ltd. (formally Triplex Safety Glass Ltd.) in Birmingham, through The Year in Industry scheme. Following the success of this placement, Pilkington is now sponsoring Anis while he completes his degree in Electronic & Software Engineering at The University of Birmingham. "The Year in Industry placement has lead not only to sponsorship, but also other opportunities such as working in France, and all the income has certainly made uni life a lot easier financially." says Anis "I've been lucky not to have any real financial stress at all thanks to The Year in Industry placement "

Success
Nationally 667 students are placed through the Year in Industry in 2002/2003. Here are just some of the reasons more and more students are deciding to take part in the scheme-

I'm convinced - where do I sign?
· Earn money! Students typically earn £10 to £12k p.a.

· Useful break from study and quality, practical experience

· 26% of The Year in Industry students gain First Class Honours degrees compared to the national average of 10%*

· Improve chances of sponsorship- 55% of all engineering students placed, go on to be sponsored through university

· Increase employment opportunities after graduation- 90% of The Year in Industry students are in employment 6 months after graduating. The national average is 70%*

* Source- Higher Education Statistics Agency

Check it out
For more information on The Year in Industry, visit www.yini.org.uk