Jessica Rexworthy Head of Learning and Skills Fair Train Bridging the skills gap: Why quality work experience matters

What is Fair Train?  A national charity which champions the benefits of high quality work experience  Owner of the national Work Experience Quality Standard accreditation  Group Training Association for the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS)  Supporter of employers, learning providers and young people across the UK

The context Fair Train defines work experience as everything from a work placement, through to internships, traineeships and apprenticeships. Plus volunteering (where the specific aim of the role is to secure career progression).

The stats What employers say…  66% say that work experience is the most important factor when recruiting  88% believe hosting learners to a more motivated and satisfied workforce, leading to greater loyalty and quality  75% say that work experience and apprenticeships help cut recruitment costs  80% say that apprenticeships will play a bigger part in their future recruitment policy  81% say they make their businesses more productive. The average apprenticeship completer increases business productivity by £214 per week. But…  Just 24% of employers recruited young people directly from education in the past 2–3 years  Only 1 in 4 employers offer ANY type of work experience  Over half of employers report a lack of work experience and work readiness as an area of weakness among school leavers

The policy Schools and colleges no longer have a legal requirement to deliver CEIAG or work experience This has led to a patchy provision and a ‘postcode lottery’ when it comes to quality Lack of independent careers advisers to signpost to a range of provision Work experience is compulsory for year olds undertaking study programmes Study programmes are subject to inspection by Ofsted

Support for learners – pre placement Securing employment skills How to dress Job search techniques CV writing Writing covering letters Interview skills Telephone techniques

Support for learners – on placement Sustaining employment skills Communication skills PlanningResilience Self confidence Team working Time keeping Behaviour in the workplace

Why is quality important to colleges? “Employability of learners” “College reputation” “Employer engagement” “Happy students and staff” What if there was something that could help colleges to embed quality across all of their provision? “Ofsted” “Wider economic benefits”

How does poor quality impact on work experience? Employer Put off from engaging in the future. Negative impact on the relationship with young people & learning providers. Reduced productivity. Learning Provider Negative impact on reputation with both learners and employers. Reduced employability of their learners. Knock on impact to other areas of business. Learner Lack of connection between classroom and workplace learning. Reduced employability skills. Negative impression of the sector/business.

Work Experience Quality Standard  Nationally accredited frameworks  For employers and learning providers  Public recognition  Demonstration of quality  Free ongoing advice and guidance

What the frameworks cover Planning the Placement Starting the Placement The Placement Conducting Reviews End of Placement

Benefits Gain a quality benchmark which can be referenced in inspections such as Ofsted Provide independent evidence of quality training to funding bodies and prime contractors Obtain free advice and guidance on developing your work experience programme in line with Study Programme requirements Form sustainable links and showcase your work as employers’ purchasing power in Apprenticeships increases Gain access to our accredited network of employers to ensure they offer a quality placement Effectively manage subcontractors who deliver training on your behalf Benefit from publicity as a result of achieving a national accreditation Follow nationally accredited frameworks to ensure you are delivering comprehensive programmes Gain access to a suite of supporting documents to help develop your provision Stand out as a provider dedicated to offering fair, supportive and high quality training opportunities - get the edge on your competitors!

Work Experience e-guide Free advice and guidance available from Fair Train

The legal facts  There is no requirement for a separate risk assessment for work experience students where an employer already employs young workers under the age of 18.  Repeat risk assessments are not required for each successive work experience student where an employer regularly offers placements.  The insurance industry has committed to treat work experience students as employees so that they are covered by existing Employers’ Liability compulsory insurance policies.  If you have fewer than five employees you are not required to have a written risk assessment.

Work Experience Week National celebration of best practice in work experience Showcasing excellence in the delivery of high quality work experience programmes Across the public, private and voluntary sectors Working with employers, learning providers and learners

Group activity What are the main barriers to offering high quality work experience? How can we support each other to overcome these barriers?

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