Employers urge for work experience to be modernised

Around two-thirds of businesses believe a two-week block of work experience is too time-consuming and offers too little benefit, according to new data from The Careers & Enterprise Company (CEC).

As the government prepares to roll out its manifesto commitment for mandatory work experience for every secondary school pupil, more companies are being urged to offer work experience to meet the growing demand from schools across the country.

The research with 750 business leaders shows that more than half (52%) currently offer work experience. This could rise to more than three-quarters (76%) of businesses if work experience was made more accessible, including for smaller employers. A new trial, run by The Careers & Enterprise Company, is currently being tested with several Mayoral Combined Authorities, employers and multi-academy trusts across the country.   

The trial, which replaces the old model of fixed block placements with two weeks’ worth of short, multiple placements throughout secondary school, is backed by employers. Nearly two-thirds (58%) say it will make it easier for them to offer work experience to students, including half (49%) of those who don’t currently offer it.   

Businesses also say that making it easier to work with schools is crucial, with three-quarters (75%) saying this would make them more likely to offer work experience. Eight in ten businesses see it as a means to attract apprentices and entry-level employees. 

Developing their future workforce, tackling skills shortages, and raising awareness of their sector are all cited as reasons to partner with schools on work experience, while more than seven in ten (71%) business leaders worry that entry-level candidates just don’t know enough about their organisation or industry.   

With nearly 1m young people now not in education, training or employment, the Government’s Skills White Paper emphasises the importance of flexible, high-quality work experience for supporting young people into the labour market and to support skills needs of the future workforce. The Careers & Enterprise Company recently brought together 3,000 employers and educators, including senior leaders from the NHS, Engineering UK, Cisco and KPMG, for a national work experience summit to mobilise industry-wide commitment.   

John Yarham, Chief Executive at The Careers & Enterprise Company, said: “Many of us remember two weeks of photocopying or making endless rounds of tea. That doesn’t work for young people or businesses. Reimagining work experience starts now, with young people now taking part in multiple, shorter, quality placements throughout secondary school, regardless of where they live or who their parents know.   

"Bringing together 3,000 business and educators last week, to propel the concept and reach of work experience beyond its current limitations, was uplifting. The vision that we can start to see emerging will have a greater impact on young people and be more accessible for employers.”