Work experience: Information for employers and education providers
Work experience gives young people an understanding of the work environment and helps them gain essential skills for their future career. It can:
- help them engage with the world of work
- sustain their motivation for education and training
- improve their chances of successful progression to the next steps in education, training or employment.
This page is aimed at employers and training providers. See information about work experience for young people, parents and carers.
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Information for employers
Work experience benefits your business by:
- supporting young people to develop the skills you need, such as teamwork, communication and creativity
- building a pipeline of talent into early careers opportunities
- building a diverse talent pipeline (women in STEM careers, staff reflective of local community of your business)
- delivering on social value
- closing skills gaps
- engaging employees and offering development opportunities
- strengthening your employer brand – a business with purpose will attract more talent.
How to offer work experience
Get started by reaching out to local schools or education institutions to offer insight days, schools visits for groups of students. You may wish to offer 5–10 day work placements for a smaller group of students. You could also offer virtual sessions for pupils.
You can also get in touch with your local London Careers Hub. They will be able to connect you to opportunities in your area and introduce you to education institutions nearby.
For more information on how to maximise the impact of engaging with young people, see the Employer Standards.
Information for education providers
The Career Enterprise Company is piloting a work experience framework called equalex. This is a new approach that sits alongside other proven activity. It's designed to support two weeks' worth of high-quality work experience for every young person.
Help and support
If you'd like to find out more about work experience, or if you have any questions, email us at [email protected].
You can also get in touch with your local London Careers Hub who can support you to find or deliver work experience opportunities.
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