The thick sandwich: Still on the menu

The conception, inception, progress and future of a unique year-long sandwich element in a geography degree course at Coventry University is reviewed against the backdrop of appropriate statistical information. The placement, which originated as a result of academic politics and took its format from an existing scheme, has been in operation for 20 years. Early on, paid placements in financial, professional and business services were of considerable importance. Later years have seen the growth of a wider range of employment related to geographical issues, and increased use of statutory grant-aid. Graduates with professional training have had more success than those without it in obtaining employment. Recent innovations include a Certificate of Professional Training, linked to which is a learning contract and a profile-based assessment.