Bringing the workplace to life

Without these encounters, the world of work remains an abstract concept for many secondary school children, with research indicating that young people are 86% less likely to be employed or in further education or training. The same research also indicates that with the right number of encounters, they can earn up to 18% more during their career. 

Encounters with the work place are a critical aspect of the support young people need – by connecting them to employers and employees – they have the opportunity to ask questions, challenge perceptions and get a real taste of what different careers look like.

The Government’s new Careers Strategy, launched at the end of 2017, identifies an additional requirement for all pupils in school years 7 to 13 to have at least one encounter per year.

The message from The Careers & Enterprise Company is that although real progress has been made over the last two years, with many employers stepping up to meet the challenge, there’s lots still to be done.

One of the new initiatives that the Careers & Enterprise Company will be developing over the next few months is an ask to employers and businesses to reach out to one young person for every 10 employees they have working for them.    

If every business does this, the goal of one engagement for every child in every secondary school year will be met. 

Claudia Harris, Chief Executive of The Careers & Enterprise Company said: “Young people need vivid experiences with potential employers to bring career opportunities to life.  It’s fantastic news that so many employers already recognise this vital fact.  Over the last two years, The Careers & Enterprise Company has seen a 50% increase in the number of encounters young people have been able to make with the world of work.

“But lots more still needs to be done and it’s more important than ever that we connect employers of all sizes and from all sectors to young people.  We are asking them to work with us to help young people to fulfil their potential.”

Paul Drechsler CBE, CBI President, said: “By giving students a window into the exciting world of work, businesses are already doing a great job preparing students for life. Ensuring our young people are resilient, adaptable and confident to meet the global and technology challenges of tomorrow outweigh academic results alone.

“Many businesses are already doing brilliant work with schools and colleges across the country, but they can and must do even more.  I welcome the Careers and Enterprise Company’s initiative to call for an increase in the number of quality experiences in a meaningful way.  If we get the business-school collaboration right, we will enable the next generation to be better prepared in a world with great opportunities.”