Evaluation of the Work
Experience Trials:
Implications for young
people gaining experience
of the world of work
David Sims and Sarah Lynch
Work experience trials
• 25 pilot colleges testing models of work
experience delivery:
 Removing cost barriers for employers
 Investigating challenges faced by SMEs
 Extra resources for colleges
 Exploring timing of placements
 Supporting LLDD
• Funding from DfE of £177k over two years
(2011-12/2012-13)
Evaluation aims and methods:
Aims:
?
To evaluate the different models of work experience for
post-16 students, exploring the implementation process,
impact on students and employers, and identifying
lessons learned – what works/implications for providing
Methods:
work experience?
- Initial scoping study
- Ten case studies
- Analysis of Management Information and financial
data
Nature and location of work
experience
Models: combination of models, most often resources to
employ a coordinator or support for LLDD
Preparation: : CVs, interview skills, matching students and
employers, preparing students for the real world
Location: all case-study colleges offered external
placements with employers, most also offered internal
placements at the college
Type of work experience: predominately ‘vocational’, but
examples of ‘extended’ placements/Supported Internship
model for LLDD students; real-world and purposeful
Flexible timing: Mix of blocks and separate days across
colleges
Employer engagement
• Trial helped to increase and enhance employer
engagement
• Role of coordinator crucial in developing and maintaining
relationships with employers
• Having a broad range of employers, in terms of size and
scope, was seen as important, in order to provide a
variety of placements
• Employers see it as corporate social responsibility – to
link with community and develop future workforce
• Helped to change attitudes of employers about students
with LDD – but support from college was important
• Incentives for employers not used/needed
Impact of the trial on employers
 Closer links with colleges e.g. helping to develop
curriculum
 Increased capacity e.g. students freeing up staff to do
other work
 Staff development (e.g. management skills)
 Developing future workforce
 Negative impacts: employer time, but benefits
outweighed costs
Impact of the trial on students
• Increased numbers of students benefiting from work
experience
• Development of skills necessary for employment and
interpersonal skills
 team work
 communication
 confidence
 enabled students to be more work-ready
• Positive impact on LLDD: confidence, independence,
behaviour
• Some students gained employment
Steps to take in providing quality work
experience
1. Appointment of coordinator
2. Be flexible with timing of
work experience
3. Match students and
employers carefully
4. Prior preparation of student
5. Prior preparation of
employer (inc. setting aims)
6. Ensure support is in place
for student, inc. LLDD
7. Monitoring and reflection
8. Feedback to employers