Work experience is a fantastic opportunity for employers to add value to the 16-19-year-old study programme by preparing students for work.
It enables them to explore the careers linked to the academic or vocational subjects they are studying and helps with their choice of further or higher education. Work experience is designed to bridge the gap between education and the world of work. It can help inform career choices, provide the opportunity for young people to prove themselves to an employer, and help instil the attitudes and behaviours expected at work.
Work experience can take many forms including work tasters; running a student enterprise; participation in social action, volunteering or a work placement.
Work placements will usually take place with an external employer and they are an integral part of some study programmes, where work experience is the core aim. Work placements can also form an essential element of some vocational qualifications.