At the age of 14-16, young people are already making life choices that will impact their careers for years to come. Yet too many state school students without parental networks do not have access to valuable work experience opportunities at this crucial age, or those that need it the most may take work experience placements that only reinforce existing assumptions of what is available to them.
Even with the amazing internships, graduate schemes and similar on offer today, many employers recognise the need to reach students earlier to change the current landscape of diversity and access into their industry or profession. Work experience is most students’ first foray into the professional world, and helps shape their perceptions about their own abilities and options for their future.