What are the aims of the EWB-UK placements programme?

1. To deliver technical support to development projects

2. To give young people work experience in the development sector

3. To support our partners' technical capacity building

When do the placements run?

Most placements are for 10-12 weeks from late June or early July until September. Some placements are for 6-12 months, also starting in the summer. Timings can be flexible, if agreed between partner organisation, placement volunteers(s) and EWB-UK.

Who is eligible for a placement?

Placements are open to university students and recent graduates (up to 4 years from graduation). They must be resident in the UK to be able to attend interviews, training and pre-departure preparation.

What sort of people are EWB-UK looking for?

Most placements are aimed at those with a technical background, usually in engineering or science. Applicants should be able to demonstrate a strong interest in development, and the appropriate skills, knowledge and experience to undertake the placement successfully.

What if I'm not an engineer?

Some placements may still be suitable for non-engineers or scientists with appropriate skills, knowledge and experience. Look in particular for entry level placements, that do not require specific technical knowledge.

What is the selection process?

Applications are initially via an online application form. Applications for the 2008 placements are open from 9th Feb - 9th March. Applicants may rank their preferred placement organisation for up to 3 placements.

Short-listed candidates will be invited to interviews held over the weekends 29-30 March & 5-6 April. These candidates will be notified of the outcomes by mid-April.

Criteria for selecting candidates are:

• Technical ability
• Social suitability
• Potential future contribution to development

How are placements funded?

Most overseas summer placements cost in the region of £1000 to £2000 for basic essential costs (e.g. flights, food and accommodation, insurance, vaccinations, visas, in-country travel), excluding luxuries. EWB-UK aims to fund at least 50% of this cost, and the selected volunteers must fundraise the remainder to show commitment to the project. Basic living costs for placements in the UK are fully funded.

Most year-long placements cost in the region of £4000 to £6000. These are fully funded through EWB-UK although the volunteer will be expected to join the UK fundraising team to raise funds for the project. The overall personal contribution should be no more than for a summer placement.

What preparation is involved?

All volunteers selected MUST attend an EWB-UK training course, to be held in the week June 13-20.

Prior to this, selected volunteers will receive a project briefing from the EWB-UK project manager, introducing them to the project and the partner organisation. The project manager will guide volunteers towards research and preparation to be done in the UK before departure.

How will I communicate with EWB-UK during the placement?

Volunteers will communicate with EWB-UK through their project manager (who will be based in the UK). We are currently reviewing our reporting requirements, but this is likely to involve at least 2 written reports via email / internet.

In the unlikely case of a medical or other emergency, the volunteer will be supplied with a contact number for EWB-UK, who will store the candidates' next of kin details, insurance and relevant medical details.

What is required the end of the placement?

Reporting requirements are currently being reviewed. However, it is likely that you will be requested to submit an extensive evaluation form. and to attend a debrief session with EWB-UK (early October for summer placements).

You may have the opportunity to give a presentation about your experience during an EWB-UK, or branch event. Furthermore, you may be invited to join the placements team, to help contribute towards future EWB-UK placements.

What do the placement levels mean?

We specify three different experience levels suggested for all parties to get the most out of a placement:

Entry: 1st - 2nd year Engineering undergraduate or equivalent

Intermediate: 3rd-4th year Engineering undergradate or equivalent

Advanced: Recent graduate in Engineering or equivalent

NOTE: All placements are subject to change or withdrawal at any time. Placements are also conditional on a reasonable security situation for the location as determined by the EWB-UK Board of Trustees, EWB-UK finding suitably qualified volunteers to undertake the placement, and EWB-UK securing the necessary funding for the placements.