Modern Work Experience Project
What are the aims of the project?
The Modern Work Experience Project is designed to provide targeted, strategic support to selected schools across Somerset. Our objectives are to raise the quality of work experience provision to make it more impactful for students, and to support schools in meeting the new Modern Work Experience requirements by empowering them to build a progressive long-term plan that drives positive change.
The Equalex Framework underpins this approach by defining clear learning outcomes and helping educators embed meaningful workplace experiences within a progressive, whole‑school careers programme. It also aligns with the updated Gatsby Benchmark 6 (Experiences of the Workplace).
What Makes A Meaningful Work Experience?
A high-quality work experience will:
- Have a clear purpose, which is shared with the employer and the young person
- Be underpinned by learning outcomes that are appropriate to the needs of the young person
- Involve extensive two-way interactions between the young person and employees
- Include opportunities for young people to meet a range of different people from the workplace
- Include opportunities for young people to perform a task set by the employer or to produce a piece of work relevant to that workplace
- Include the employer providing feedback to the young person about their work
Be followed by opportunities for the young person to reflect on insights, knowledge or skills gained through their experience
Traditional work experience, typically a one‑week placement in Year 10, will continue. However, under the new work experience guarantee all young people in Years 7–11 will now access multiple, high‑quality workplace experiences, adding up to a minimum of 10 days (5 days across Key Stage 3, and 5 days across Key Stage 4). This approach ensures that experiences are progressive, continuous, meaningful, and better aligned with students’ development and career progression.
We are committed to strengthening the links between local businesses and our schools by making it easier for employers to get involved. Engagement doesn’t have to mean offering a full 5‑day work placement, small contributions can make a big impact too. This could be a short visit to a school to give students insight into your role or supporting them with a work‑related project or task connected to your industry, and if an employer isn’t sure what that could look like, we can support with that. Every interaction can help build a strong talent pipeline for the future, including potential candidates for internships, apprenticeships, and other technical education pathways.
For more information, please contact:
Nikki Blackwell
Work Experience Enterprise Coordinator, Somerset Careers Hub
[email protected]