Evaluation of the Work Experience Trials:

1
Evaluation of the Work Experience Trials
Implications for young people gaining
experience of the world of work David Sims and
Sarah Lynch
2
Work experience trials

• 25 pilot colleges testing models of work
  experience delivery
• Removing cost barriers for employers
• Investigating challenges faced by SMEs
• Extra resources for colleges
• Exploring timing of placements
• Supporting LLDD
• Funding from DfE of 177k over two years
  (2011-12/2012-13)

3
Evaluation aims and methods

• ?

Aims To evaluate the different models of work
experience for post-16 students, exploring the
implementation process, impact on students and
employers, and identifying lessons learned what
works/implications for providing work experience?

• Methods
• - Initial scoping study
• - Ten case studies
• Analysis of Management Information and financial
  data

4
Nature and location of work experience
Models combination of models, most often
resources to employ a coordinator or support for
LLDD
Preparation CVs, interview skills, matching
students and employers, preparing students for
the real world
Location all case-study colleges offered
external placements with employers, most also
offered internal placements at the college
Type of work experience predominately
vocational, but examples of extended
placements/Supported Internship model for LLDD
students real-world and purposeful
Flexible timing Mix of blocks and separate days
across colleges
5
Employer engagement

• Trial helped to increase and enhance employer
  engagement
• Role of coordinator crucial in developing and
  maintaining relationships with employers
• Having a broad range of employers, in terms of
  size and scope, was seen as important, in order
  to provide a variety of placements
• Employers see it as corporate social
  responsibility to link with community and
  develop future workforce
• Helped to change attitudes of employers about
  students with LDD but support from college was
  important
• Incentives for employers not used/needed

6
Impact of the trial on employers

• Closer links with colleges e.g. helping to
  develop curriculum
• Increased capacity e.g. students freeing up staff
  to do other work
• Staff development (e.g. management skills)
• Developing future workforce
• Negative impacts employer time, but benefits
  outweighed costs

7
Impact of the trial on students

• Increased numbers of students benefiting from
  work experience
• Development of skills necessary for employment
  and interpersonal skills
• team work
• communication
• confidence
• enabled students to be more work-ready
• Positive impact on LLDD confidence,
  independence, behaviour
• Some students gained employment

8
Steps to take in providing quality work
experience
5. Prior preparation of employer (inc. setting
aims)
1. Appointment of coordinator
2. Be flexible with timing of work experience
6. Ensure support is in place for student, inc.
LLDD
3. Match students and employers carefully
7. Monitoring and reflection
8. Feedback to employers
4. Prior preparation of student