The University of Ulster has launched its annual search for the ‘Placement Employer of the Year’.

The competition recognises the contribution that employers have made to Ulster student development through work experience.

Some of the country’s top companies compete for these prizes and leaders of local and national enterprises are invited to attend a gala ceremony at the Jordanstown campus in May this year.

In 2011, among the winners were social work professionals from local health and social care organisations. They won awards in three categories.

In preparation for the 2012 competition, University of Ulster placement partners, students and University staff are invited to submit nominations using the online application form at http://pa.ulster.ac.uk/.

Categories of awards are:

Over 50 employees – Placement Employer of the Year Award (6 months plus)

Up to 50 employees – Placement Employer of the Year Award (6 months plus)

Public sector Placement Employer of the Year Award

Short-term Placement Employer of the Year Award

Placement Employer of the Year Award as nominated by an Ulster student (open only to full-time students who have returned from placement)

Placement Employer of the Year Award as nominated by a staff member at Ulster

The deadline for submissions is February 1, 2012, after which a shortlist of nominations for each award category will be drawn up and presented on the Ulster Placement Employer of the Year Awards website. 

Nominations will be judged by an expert panel representing industry and professional bodies/agencies. They will decide the winners for each category.

The Award winners will be announced at a black tie ceremony on the evening of May 10, 2012 in the Loughview suite at the Jordanstown Campus.