All students at eligible schools are eligible to apply for placements. This programme is specifically targeted at high-need schools with poor access to work experience and students aged 14-19 with high need indicators (qualify for FSM, no previous or forthcoming work experience, no family networks to professions) so where high numbers of applications are received these students will be prioritised.
Grades, qualifications and existing industry interest are not a factor for application, but enthusiasm, open-mindedness and need for the experience are. Employers hope to reach the students who are least likely to come into their industry or profession, and might not have the awareness, confidence, or links to do so without good work experience.
We appreciate all students need work experience but given our remit as a charity and that this is a free service aiming to improve social mobility for young people, we hope educators can help us in reaching and encouraging those harder-to-access young people.
If you believe you are eligible but your school does not appear on the registration list, please contact us at experience@speakersforschools.org.