Work experience doesn’t just benefit students, it strengthens local economies.
From tackling youth unemployment to closing skills gaps, well-structured placements are a powerful tool for long-term community growth.

What is the economic impact of student work experience programmes?

Work experience programmes are more than an educational add-on; they are a strategic investment in local talent and economic stability.

When students gain workplace exposure, everyone benefits:

• Young people become more employable
• Employers shape the future workforce
• Local areas see reduced unemployment and increased economic resilience

At The Changing Education Group, we bridge the gap between education and employment, creating seamless work experience solutions that support students and strengthen local communities.

How do work experience placements benefit local businesses?

Work experience helps local employers today and builds their workforce for tomorrow.

1. Develops Future Talent

Placements equip young people with practical, relevant skills:

• Communication and teamwork
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Sector-specific tools, software, or techniques

This creates a pool of work-ready candidates who already understand your business and its values.

2. Reduces Recruitment Costs

Students who complete successful placements often return as employees. This saves time, reduces onboarding, and improves retention, especially in sectors like:

• Health and social care
• Manufacturing
• Digital and tech
• Education and early years

3. Strengthens Community Ties

Work experience connects businesses with schools, colleges, and local authorities.
It builds trust, increases visibility, and positions organisations as forward-thinking, socially responsible contributors to the local economy.

How does work experience reduce youth unemployment?

Work experience helps students transition into the workforce with confidence, and that directly impacts unemployment rates.

• Early exposure to the workplace increases job readiness
• Real-world insight improves decision-making around career paths
• Employer references and contacts open doors to future roles

Students with placement experience are more likely to find employment post-education, reducing the number of NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) young people in a given area.

What role does work experience play in closing skills gaps?

In many sectors, employers face growing skills shortages.
Work experience is one way to start solving that, from the ground up.

Benefits to the wider economy:

• Aligns education with local industry needs
• Gives students hands-on practice with in-demand tools and systems
• Encourages employers to influence curriculum development

It’s a win-win: students gain employable skills, and employers see a future workforce trained in the right areas.

How can work experience help build resilient local economies?

Communities that invest in work-based learning build better futures. Here’s why:

• Fewer school leavers without a clear direction
• Increased employer involvement in education
• Stronger, more adaptable workforce
• Long-term economic stability

Through meaningful placements, we help schools, employers, and students contribute to an ecosystem where everyone can thrive, even in uncertain economic times.

Build the Future of Your Local Economy Through Work Experience

At The Changing Education Group, we believe in the economic power of well-managed placements.
By partnering with us, businesses and schools can develop the next generation of workers while driving growth, resilience, and long-term prosperity.

Book a call today to explore how work experience can become part of your business strategy, and your local impact story.

FAQs

1. How do local businesses benefit from offering work experience?
They gain access to new talent, reduce hiring costs, and build a stronger presence in their community.

2. Can work experience reduce local unemployment?
Yes, students with placement experience are more employable, helping reduce NEET numbers and increase job uptake.

3. What sectors benefit most from student placements?
Sectors with skill shortages, like healthcare, construction, tech, and education, see the most direct benefit from early talent development.

4. Do students gain skills employers actually need?
Yes, we align placements with real employer needs, helping students build job-ready skills in relevant fields.

5. How can I get my business involved in offering placements?
You can partner with us directly, and we handle compliance, risk management, and placement logistics for you.