Work experience should be spread out through the year

Research has been conducted into the effectiveness of work experience by think tank LKMco and Workfinder.

The research finds that there needs to be an increase in post-16 students’ access to work experience as older students tend to get more out of placements than younger pupils.

It also finds that work experience should be made possible throughout the academic year, as opposed to single blocks.

While the report acknowledges this poses timetabling challenges for schools, flexibility around the timing helps employers. Furthermore, work experience conducted earlier in the year allows for repeated interactions with employers, which the literature suggests increases effectiveness in a number of domains.

The report says that schools should help students to clarify their career goals which would increase the chances of the matching process being successful. While students are unlikely to have finalised their career choices by the age of 16, this kind of preparation can help young people find work experience that helps them crystallise ideas about careers in various sectors.

The report says that schools should ensure they keep administrative burdens on employers to a minimum although, there is also an important role here for government and third sector organisations here. Ofsted found that many employers were unwilling to work with schools due to the time and administrative burden involved.

The report, based on roundtables attended by careers education experts, case studies and interviews with experts, argued work experience is more effective later as pupils can “fully develop and use the skills employers value”.

However, it warned access to the best placements is limited for those from poorer backgrounds, in rural areas or with special educational needs or disabilities.