Summer is the right time to lay the groundwork for autumn placements. By the time the school year starts in August, the best positions are often already filled, and those who prepared early have a clear head start. This guide walks students, schools and companies through planning autumn LIA and APL before term begins.
Preparing autumn placements early comes down to three things: knowing when the placement period starts, matching the right student with the right workplace in good time, and having contracts, insurance and supervision in place before day one. The earlier the work begins, the calmer the start of term is for everyone.
Why starting early pays off#
Placements rarely sort themselves out. Schools compete for the same workplaces, companies need time to plan for a supervisor, and students want to feel secure about their spot before courses begin.
When preparation is left until the last minute, the most common problems appear: positions that fall through, unclear agreements and supervisors who did not have time to prepare. Spending time on planning during the summer reduces the risk of anyone being left without a place in September.
Timeline for the autumn term#
A simple timeline helps every party stay one step ahead. Start from when the placement actually begins and count backwards.
| When | Student | School | Company |
|---|---|---|---|
| July–August | Update CV, map out workplaces | Confirm partnerships and positions | Appoint a supervisor, plan tasks |
| Early August | Send applications, book interviews | Match student and workplace | Confirm acceptance |
| Late August | Sign agreements, check insurance | Secure contracts and follow-up routines | Prepare the introduction |
| Placement start | Arrive prepared on day one | Follow up early | Welcome and introduce |
Checklist for the student#
- Update your placement CV so it reflects your studies and goals.
- Map out workplaces relevant to your field.
- Read up on the difference between APL, LIA, VFU and prao if you are unsure which placement type applies to you.
- Make sure agreements and insurance are in place before you start.
Checklist for the school#
- Confirm existing workplace partnerships and identify gaps early.
- Plan the whole year's placements in a structured way, not period by period. Our guide on planning APL for the entire school year covers the approach.
- Ensure clear routines for matching, agreements and follow-up.
- Keep documentation, communication and follow-up in one place instead of scattered emails and spreadsheets.
Checklist for the company#
- Appoint a supervisor early and set aside time for the role. Our supervisor guide offers concrete tips.
- Plan what the intern should do in the first few weeks.
- Prepare a simple introduction so the first day feels structured.
- See placements as a recruitment channel, not just a favour to the school.
How Prakto can help#
For schools and companies handling many positions at once, a digital placement platform like Prakto can bring matching, agreements, communication and follow-up together in one place. That makes it easier to keep to the timeline and see which positions are missing a student — or which students still lack a place.
To see how it works in practice, you can book a demo or read about the difference compared to manual handling in Excel and email.
Frequently asked questions#
When should you start preparing autumn placements?#
Ideally before term starts. During the summer, students can update their CV and map out workplaces, while schools confirm positions and companies appoint supervisors.
Who is responsible for finding a placement?#
It varies by placement type. For APL in upper secondary school, the school has a clear responsibility to arrange a spot, while YH students often find their LIA placement themselves with support from the programme.
What needs to be ready before day one?#
A placement, an agreement, insurance and an appointed supervisor. The student should also know the goals and tasks for the period.
Conclusion#
Autumn placements are rarely better than the preparation behind them. With a clear timeline, a checklist for each party and the right positions matched in good time, students, schools and companies all avoid the stress of the start of term. Begin during the summer — it makes for a calmer, safer school year.
Sources#
- Skolverket — rules and support for workplace-based learning (APL) in upper secondary school.
- Swedish National Agency for Higher Vocational Education — information about higher vocational education and LIA.
