Work Experience: Past, present and future

This report presents analysis of research, unprecedented in its detail, on the impact of employer engagement in lower secondary education (students aged 11-16) based on extensive research from the UK and around the world. Findings confirm that work experience prevents poor outcomes in adulthood. Looking into the case of the UK specifically, the report demonstrates that current policies risks leaving the most disadvantaged with the least connections and opportunities behind. It also points to how the geography of where employers are located influences what opportunities young people have access to. Based on these findings, the authors propose different action options for governments, including proposals on funding, support and infrastructure, and holistic approaches to education and training.