Making work experience work: Guide for employers

Work experience is an important way for young people to gain insight into the working world. Time spent with an employer can be invaluable and can broaden young people’s knowledge of industries and sectors. It can help inform and shape their career decisions, and offer a way to explore the workplace in a risk-free environment. 

Offering work experience opportunities to young people enables employers to access the range of talents and unique skills and insights young people bring. It also provides opportunities for existing staff to supervise and mentor young people, helping to develop their management and other professional and personal skills. 

This guide offers practical advice for employers on the benefits of work experience. It also highlights good recruitment and selection practices and information on supporting and providing feedback to young people during their placements.