You have agreed to host a LIA student. Great, it is one of the best ways to contribute to your industry while finding future colleagues. But what does it actually mean to be a LIA supervisor?
What is expected of you as a LIA supervisor?#
As a LIA supervisor you are the student's primary contact person at the workplace. You are not responsible for the grade, the school handles that, but your assessment and feedback carry significant weight in the evaluation.
Your key responsibilities:
- Introduce the student to the workplace and the team
- Provide meaningful tasks linked to the learning objectives
- Support, guide, and challenge the student
- Give regular feedback
- Write an assessment at the end of the period
- Maintain contact with the school as needed
Checklist: Before the LIA period#
2–4 weeks before start#
- Read the LIA agreement: understand what the school expects and which learning objectives apply
- Contact the student: introduce yourself, tell them about the workplace, ask about their expectations
- Plan the induction week: schedule for the first days with a tour, meetings, and simpler tasks
- Prepare the workspace: computer, logins, keys, system access
- Inform the team: let them know a LIA student is starting, who they are, and what they will be doing
- Arrange protective equipment: if the workplace requires it (lab, workshop, construction site)
The day before start#
- Double-check the practicalities: does the login work? Is there a place to sit?
- Confirm with the student: time, location, who will greet them
- Have a plan for day 1: the student should not have to wait without knowing what is happening
Checklist: During the LIA period#
First week#
- Tour: show the premises, emergency exits, break room, toilets
- Introduce the team: names, roles, who to ask about what
- Go through expectations: working hours, dress code, communication channels
- Give the first task: something concrete but manageable, ideally with a clear outcome
- Daily check-in (5–10 min), how is it going? Do you need anything?
Weeks 2–4#
- Gradually increase complexity: give tasks that challenge without overwhelming
- Weekly check-in: formal or informal, but regular
- Involve the student in meetings: team stand-ups, project meetings, client interactions
- Give ongoing feedback: specific and constructive, not just "good job"
- Document: note achievements and areas for development for the assessment
Later period#
- Give more autonomy: let the student lead their own projects or sub-projects
- Follow up on learning objectives: check with the student that they feel they are learning the right things
- Contact the school if problems arise: do not wait until it is too late
- Prepare the final evaluation: gather supporting material
Checklist: After the LIA period#
Final week#
- Closing conversation: review the period, highlight strengths and areas for development
- Write the assessment: honest, balanced, and constructive. Use the school's template
- Discuss the future: is there an opportunity for employment, part-time work, or future collaboration?
- Ask for the student's feedback: how did they experience the period? What can you improve?
- Complete the formalities: deactivate logins, collect keys/equipment
After the student has finished#
- Submit the assessment to the school on time
- Stay in touch: LinkedIn, email. A future recruitment channel
- Evaluate internally: what worked well? What would you do differently next time?
Five practical supervisor tips#
1. Treat the student as a junior colleague#
Not as a guest and not as free labour. A LIA student should do real work with reasonable support.
2. Ask: don't just tell#
Instead of providing all the answers, ask questions that develop thinking:
- "How would you solve this?"
- "What do you think happens if we do it this way?"
- "What alternatives do you see?"
This builds independence and critical thinking.
3. Give feedback in real time#
Don't wait for the weekly meeting. If the student does something well, say it straight away. If something needs correcting, address it immediately, not a week later.
4. Be available but not constantly present#
The student needs to be able to reach you, but does not need to sit next to you all day. Give clear instructions, point to resources, and be reachable for questions.
5. Remember what it was like to be new#
The first LIA is nerve-wracking for everyone. The student wants to perform but does not always know how. Patience and kindness cost nothing but pay back enormously.
The school's role vs your role#
| School's responsibility | Supervisor's responsibility | |
|---|---|---|
| Learning objectives | Defines and communicates | Creates the conditions to achieve them |
| Assessment | Sets the grade | Writes the assessment and provides supporting material |
| Problems | Receives information and acts | Flags issues early |
| Tasks | May provide guidelines | Plans and assigns |
| Ongoing support | Available as backup | Primary contact for the student |
You make a difference#
Being a LIA supervisor is one of the most tangible things you can do to develop the future workforce. A student who has received good supervision carries it with them throughout their career, and they often remember their supervisor by name.
