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 1. Appointment of coordinator 5. Prior preparation of employer (inc. setting aims) 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 4. Prior preparation of student 8. Feedback to employers