Early and Inclusive Work Experience Reform

The problem

Young people across the UK often face their first job or placement without having had any structured preparation or hands-on exposure to real work environments. The current model of work experience is inconsistent, limited in duration, and often reduced to shadowing or low-value tasks. This fails to prepare young people for the emotional and practical realities of employment — especially those who are not already connected through family or social networks.

Policy Proposal:

Creating multiple, early, accessible working experiences for young people, including inspiration days, site visits, and structured placements, to build connections, networks, and partnerships with employers.

Amendments:

• Introduce progressive work exposure: inspiration days in Year 6/7, structured placements from Year 9-11, with long-term partnerships between schools and employers

• Address inequality of access through support mechanisms including transport, mentoring, and follow-up to ensure all young people can participate

• Define careers education clearly to include resilience building and transferable skills development