Students opting to do a sandwich degree will have the opportunity to gain practical experience with a company either in the UK or overseas. The placement year is an excellent way to see first hand what happens in industry. You will also gain valuable skills such as team working, communcation and problem solving. The placement year often clarifies career choices for students.
Students often find it very difficult to gain that first job after graduation.
However, past research shows that students who have completed a one year placement as part of the degree often find it easier to gain employment. Employers value students who have had some solid work experience and have developed work skills as part of their degree programme. So, for any student contemplating whether to do a three or four year degree, you need to think long term in the first instance. Think how marketable you will be after you have completed a placement. There are many graduates out there looking for jobs.