An industrial placement at our Chief Digital and Information Office (CDIO), or our digital team, is more than just work experience; it’s a 9 to 12 month opportunity to gain hands-on industry exposure. As a full-time employee during your sandwich year, you’ll step out of the classroom and into the real world, applying your academic knowledge to real challenges that make an impact.
During your placement, you’ll dive deep into the Government and Digital Data profession, developing invaluable skills, expanding your expertise, and gaining practical experience that will help you to build a prosperous career. By the time you return to university to complete your degree, you’ll be equipped with a strong professional foundation and a competitive edge in the job market.
Industrial Placement opportunities – We’re hiring!
Explore exciting new placements, perfect for gaining real-world experience and kick-starting your future career. Don’t miss your chance to apply! Applications close 28 April 2025.
- Junior Software Developer in Newcastle
- Cyber Security Analyst in Leeds and Telford
- Associate User Researcher in Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle and Worthing
- Associate Service Designer in Leeds, Stratford and Worthing
- IT Service Analyst in Newcastle and Telford
- Associate Interaction Designer in Newcastle and Worthing
- Associate Content Designer in Manchester and Newcastle
I recently began my industrial placement as a User Researcher at HMRC. Despite having no previous experience in the field, my background in psychology has provided me with an understanding of human behaviour, which has proved widely transferable to user research.
The supportive user research community has made my learning curve so smooth, with lots of colleagues eager to share their knowledge, provide guidance and offer hands-on experience. I have had the opportunity to write research plans, design studies, analyse user feedback and playback findings to relevant stakeholders. During my placement I have enjoyed learning how to apply both qualitative and quantitative research methods to real life projects. I am thankful for the positive feedback which I have received regarding my contributions to various projects, which has further motivated me to develop my skills.
This experience has not only sharpened my professional skills but also boosted my own self confidence and adaptability. I have developed my knowledge into how user research shapes digital services. As my placement comes to an end, I feel more equipped to complete my final year dissertation and pursue a career in research.
I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a supportive team at HMRC. This experience has solidified my passion for the field and the encouragement I’ve received from my colleagues to join the user research community and pursue a career in the profession after graduating university has been incredibly inspiring.
I would strongly advise other students to seek the opportunity to pursue a placement year as I have no regrets.
Ellie – User Researcher
I joined HMRC as an industrial placement Live Service Analyst, eighteen months later I am still working in the same role part-time as I finish my final year of university.
My experience as an industrial placement has been nothing but positive from the day I arrived. The team that I was assigned to took me on board from the get-go and allowed me to get involved with what they do and gather experience from various tasks which they allowed me to take part in. This approach massively benefitted me as I was able to observe the business-as-usual work my team carried out and become familiar with it through experiencing it first-hand. Also, the team that helped support the placement students were brilliant, they provided a platform for support for us to reach out to, as well as organising cohort calls between placements to allow us to share our experiences with each other as well as opportunities to present our work to senior members of staff and take pride in our contributions to HMRC.
This placement was my first experience of working in industry and has provided me with a multitude of skills to help me develop my career. The placement has allowed me to grow in confidence through presenting to large audiences and external stakeholders and has provided me with professional skills that will help me to progress my career in the future.
I am now working part-time whilst finalising my university studies and HMRC have accommodated me brilliantly, allowing me to work flexibly around my studies. The placement programme has massively benefitted me, providing me with industry experience and skills that will allow me to continue progressing my career throughout my life.
Ben – Live Service Analyst
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