Work experience/ tasters
Our work with young people and adults shows us that employers can help enormously, for example, by providing work experience and work tasters. You could make a difference by giving people a ‘taste’ of work and at the same time it will benefit you by giving you the opportunity to find potential new employees and to give them a chance to show their abilities in the workplace.
It is government policy for all 14-16 year olds to undergo some work experience before they leave school. Research by the Department for Education and Schools (which has now been replaced by the Department for Children, Schools and Famiiles) identified specific business benefits cited by companies involved with schools. They include:
Staff recruitment and retention - by establishing contacts with local schools and colleges, employers can reduce the cost of recruitment and attract good recruits through an improved reputation.
Developing company culture - employers have found that work with schools and colleges helps to raise staff morale, increase staff loyalty, enthusiasm and commitment to the company.
Staff development and training - projects with schools and colleges provide opportunities for business staff to develop skills and show leadership potential. They can help to improve staff communication, interviewing, coaching and teamwork skills and build the self-confidence and initiative of more junior staff.
Innovation in products and operations - links with schools and colleges have helped generate ideas for successful new products and services, and produced relevant and useful suggestions for adapting working methods.
For more on how work experience placements can benefit your company visit the website of Staffordshire Partnership. Staffordshire Partnership is an organisation that brings Staffordshire companies and local schools and colleges together. Their website also includes details of mentoring young people and how it can benefit your company.
