What is work experience you ask?!
It’s important… that’s what it is. Maybe even essential. For me, as a careers professional working in a school (in addition to the other environments in which I work) – I would go so far as to call it a non-negotiable.
An ‘extreme’ view?
Perhaps. But one that in 2025 / 2026 I am going to stand by. In fact, I’ve stood by this level of advocacy and belief in the importance of it for just shy of 15 years… reflecting the duration of the time I have formally worked in education.
Below is a video which I share some of the basics of what work experience is… so it’s a great place to start for students themselves and also for careers leaders and teachers in schools who want to share relevant resources.
Furthermore, since this video was recorded in 2025, the UK Government has renewed it’s commitment to the idea of work experience, taking about what it refers to as “Modern Work Experience”.
Information on the Careers & Enterprise Company’s website says:
“Modern work experience gives every young person access to progressive, high-quality, multiple workplace experiences, throughout their education journey.”
It goes on to explain the philosophy and recommended approach:
“This equitable approach will facilitate a variety of experiences starting early, connecting education and young people with industry and unlocking the skills and opportunities of the future workforce. This supports the government’s ambition of:
– A minimum of two weeks’ worth of work experience by Year 11, made up of:
- At least one week of work experience activities in Years 7–9
- At least one week of placements in Years 10–11
– Access for all learners, regardless of background, ensuring equitable participation
– Flexibility for schools, learners, and employers to design experiences that meet local and individual needs”
To read more from the CEC, click here
As a 12+ year long advocate of work experience I am pleased to see it getting even more attention however I am also aware that this guidance doesn’t appear to come with designated funding (though I am happy to be corrected if I am wrong) and I suspect that work experience being included in the formal careers programmes of schools may continue to be patchy.
Let’s see.
Either way, I continue to be here to champion all things work experience and am keen to make myself available to schools who would benefit from support in starting or amplifying their work experience programmes.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out and enquire about my services.
Also… look out for much more work experience content here, through 2026.