Benchmark 6

Every student should have first-hand experiences of the workplace through work visits, work shadowing and/or work experience to help their exploration of career opportunities, and expand their networks. 

• By the age of 16, every student should have had at least one experience of a workplace, additional to any part-time jobs they may have. 
• By the age of 18, or before the end of their study programme, every student should have had at least one experience of a workplace, additional to any part-time jobs they may have.

Why is Benchmark 6 important?

• 2015 government report indicates that fewer students are experiencing the world of work through part-time jobs – only 18% of 16 to 17-year-olds, down from 42% in 1996. 
• Experiences of work provide students with an opportunity to develop employability skills in context of real work situations. Over 95% of schools identify employability skills and increased self-confidence as key benefits of experiences of work. 
• Students can gain important insights into their career interests and values, which will help them with their future decision making. 
• Students can develop and apply skills they are learning at school. 
• Experiences of work are part of the talent pipeline for businesses looking to recruit school leavers and apprentices. 
• Experiences of work give young people a competitive advantage – about 80% of employers think work experience is essential and two-thirds of employers would be more likely to hire a young person with work experience over someone with none. 
• 8.2 percent of people aged 16-64 in the UK today (3.4 million people in total) have never had a paid job (besides casual and holiday work).