Last year, 460 students across three of our schools, Bosworth Academy, Ivanhoe Academy and Countesthorpe Academy, took part in an innovative modern work experience pilot designed to bring careers education to life through meaningful employer engagement and real-world learning.
Rather than the traditional model of workplace observation, pupils worked directly with employers on authentic challenges in their schools, gaining first-hand insight into different industries while developing the skills needed for future employment.
The pilot was set up as a collaboration between 3 Trusts in Leicestershire, LiFE MAT, Lionheart Trust and TMET, all looking for the best way to tackle the work experience guarantee that tasks schools and colleges to guarantee 2 weeks’ worth of work experience for every young person. These experiences helped students build confidence in key employability skills including teamwork, communication, creativity and problem solving.
Working alongside organisations including IBM, Kindeva, Mellor & Bromley, Miles Platts, Mitie and Cavendish, students explored careers in sectors ranging from technology and engineering to manufacturing, construction and facilities management. Through workplace visits, design challenges, presentations, interviews, teamwork activities and employer feedback, pupils experienced the realities of modern working life and learned about the many routes available into different careers.
It increased awareness of the wide range of jobs available within different sectors and gave pupils a better understanding of the skills employers’ value. For many students, the opportunity to work directly with professionals and receive feedback from industry experts was the most memorable aspect of the experience.
Some of the strongest outcomes were seen in programmes that combined direct employer interaction with practical workplace activities such as project work, presentations, interviews, teamwork challenges and professional feedback. Pupils responded best when engaging with employees, asking questions about careers and get feedback from people working directly in those careers. These experiences helped make career pathways more visible and gave young people a clearer understanding of the skills and qualities employers are looking for.
For many students, the opportunity to tackle genuine workplace challenges and present their ideas to professionals was a real highlight. Employers praised pupils for their creativity, engagement and maturity, showing how powerful these experiences can be in helping young people believe in their potential and begin to see themselves in future careers.
The success of the pilot has reinforced our commitment to connecting classroom learning with the real world, extending as the learners develop, into the world of work. The greatest impact comes when employers are actively involved, not only sharing information about careers but working alongside young people to help them understand how their learning can translate into future opportunities.
Our Careers Team would ideally see this programme expanding across the Trust. Plans include creating a progressive work experience journey that begins with career discovery, builds through employer-led projects and workplace encounters, and culminates in showcase and reflection activities. The Trust will also look to increase opportunities for direct employer interaction, involve more industry partners and provide multiple touchpoints throughout a pupil’s school career rather than relying on a single work experience event.
Future developments will place an even greater emphasis on helping pupils connect what they learn from employers to their own strengths, aspirations and subject choices. The programme will also be adapted to meet the needs of different groups of learners, combining intensive experiences for targeted cohorts with larger-scale opportunities that can reach whole year groups while maintaining high levels of employer involvement.
By continuing to grow these partnerships and invest in high-quality employer engagement, we can ensure that even more young people develop the knowledge, confidence and ambition to make informed decisions about their futures. The pilot has shown what is possible when schools and employers work together, and it provides a strong foundation for expanding modern work experience opportunities across the Trust in the years ahead.
If your business would like to get involved, please email egillespie@lifemultiacademytrust.org.uk to arrange a chat to discuss opportunities.
Benefits for Students
- Gain real-world experience through authentic employer-led projects.
- Build confidence in teamwork, communication and problem solving.
- Discover new career pathways and industries.
- Learn directly from professionals and receive valuable feedback.
- Better understand the skills employers are looking for.
Benefits for Schools
- Enhance careers education through meaningful employer engagement.
- Build lasting partnerships with local and national employers.
- Help students connect learning to future careers.
- Raise aspirations and broaden horizons.
- Prepare young people more effectively for employment and further study.
Benefits for Employers
- Demonstrate social value and community impact with data and impact reporting throughout, for CSR impact data to support tenders.
- Develop future talent and support local recruitment pipeline.
- Showcase careers, skills and opportunities within your organisation.
- Provide meaningful staff volunteering and development opportunities.
- Improve community relationships and drive reputation for supporting local and national issues.