Engaging Employers to Shape the Future Workforce
Employers are key to successful work experience placements in UK schools and colleges.
By opening their doors to students, they help bridge the gap between education and employment, while gaining fresh insights and future talent.
Why Should Employers Get Involved in Work Experience?
Work experience isn’t just beneficial for students; it’s a valuable opportunity for businesses, too. Involving employers in structured career placements creates a two-way relationship where both sides benefit.
What Do Employers Gain from Work Experience Programmes?
Work experience placements offer businesses:
- Access to motivated young people with fresh ideas
- A pipeline of future talent and early recruitment insight
- Opportunities to shape skills and expectations in their industry
- Improved community engagement and corporate social responsibility
Hosting students allows employers to inspire the next generation while building stronger ties with local schools, colleges, and communities.
What Do Students Gain from Real-World Experience?
For students, employer-led placements help them:
- Understand the world of work through direct experience
- Build key employability skills, communication, teamwork, and timekeeping
- Grow in confidence by stepping outside the classroom
- Explore career paths and clarify their future ambitions
A well-designed placement leaves a lasting impact and often becomes a turning point in a student’s journey.
How Can Schools and Employers Collaborate Effectively?
Strong employer-school partnerships are at the heart of successful work experience. The most effective programmes are co-created, not off-the-shelf.
Ways to collaborate effectively:
- Align placements with curriculum and industry needs
- Clearly define roles, expectations, and outcomes
- Provide guidance and support for hosting students
- Share feedback to improve future programmes
At The Changing Education Group, we make this easy through our seamless careers platform, offering full employer engagement, zero hassle for schools, and time-saving support for businesses.
What Support Is Available for Employers New to Work Experience?
Many businesses are keen to help, but unsure where to start. That’s where we come in.
We help employers with:
- Student placement coordination
- Risk assessments and safeguarding
- Clear onboarding guidance
- Ongoing support throughout the experience
Whether you’re a small business or a large organisation, we ensure the process is simple, compliant, and rewarding for everyone involved.
Let’s Build the Workforce of Tomorrow, Together
Work experience changes lives, and employers have the power to lead that change.
By getting involved, you’re not only helping students succeed, you’re investing in your future workforce.
Want to learn more? We’re here to help you make it happen.
Email: workwithus@changingeducation.co.uk
Call: 0161 515 7800
Book a demo to see how our platform supports seamless, Gatsby-compliant work experience delivery.
FAQs:
Why should my business offer work experience placements?
You’ll gain early access to future talent, give back to your community, and help shape the skills your industry needs.
How long do student placements usually last?
Most school work experience placements in the UK last 1–2 weeks, though flexible and part-time models are increasingly common.
What support do employers receive when offering placements?
The Changing Education Group provides full support, including placement setup, safeguarding, and ongoing communication with schools.
Can small businesses offer placements too?
Yes. With the right support, any business can host students and make a positive impact, regardless of size.
Are there legal or compliance requirements?
Yes, but we take care of them. We handle risk assessments, health and safety, and safeguarding checks to keep everything compliant and stress-free.