What is PDP?
Professional Development Placements (PDPs) are short placements in industry for teachers or lecturers. 

When do they happen?

Placements take place across all sectors, at different times of the year, involving up to 20,000 participants and a large number of employers and organisations.

Who benefits?

• Diplomas deliverers
  All concerned with enterprise, work experience and careers education and guidance in schools and colleges
  Teachers and lecturers in all curriculum areas
  Companies themselves

How are they structured?
During a placement, participants spend time in a local company or organisation following a structured programme depending on the aims. This can be from one to five days, as a group or an individual. They are therefore a very flexible and cost effective form of professional development for staff at schools and colleges.

What are the Outcomes?
Teachers/lecturers can make contacts and links which can lead to student visits, challenge events, presentations and work experience opportunities.
Teaching staff update their knowledge of industry and career opportunities for students.
Participants gain an insight into how to make their curriculum subject more relevant with applied examples.
Companies can profile their industry and make closer links with the local community.

Who can help organise placements?

There are a number of local brokers who are members of IEBE who can help organise placements. They can support the placements by negotiating with potential hosts, planning a programme which meets the aims and objectives of all partners, and by supporting and evaluating the day. Please visit www.pdpdirect.co.uk which has details of local organisers and some of the many opportunities which are available.

What are the costs?

These will depend on the placement, but a number are free or offered with only an administration charge.

IEBE Training and Support for Organisers

IEBE also runs two training courses run each year for new organisers as well as opportunities for more experienced staff. Details of these training opportunities are posted here.

Through DCSF, IEBE also runs a network for PDP organisers to share best practice and develop resources and support.

Please see our case studies for further ideas and examples

National Contracts
IEBE manages a central contract with The Royal Academy of Engineering which provides 1,200 placements per year for teachers, lecturers in STEM subjects and for career professionals. Click here to see 'Shape the Future - STEPS at Work'.