The Project
As part of the UK Government’s updated statutory guidance issued on 8 May 2025, the Work Experience Guarantee sets a clear expectation that every secondary school pupil will have access to 10 days’ worth of high quality and meaningful work experience during their time in school, which has been designed to be flexible and inclusive for all learners.
We’re supporting 150 students across 15 schools through multi-employer models, sector-specific programmes, and holiday experiences. These combine in-school sessions with workplace visits, ensuring disadvantaged students gain confidence and exposure to industry.
Aims of the project
We aim to reach Year 10 students who miss out on work experience. We’re working with employers to design varied, enriching programmes that build confidence and workplace readiness. Sector-specific experiences help schools form lasting employer links, while holiday programmes have also been developed for partners to sustain in the future.
What does it involve?
Modern work experience varies by sector – here are some examples:
- Construction – Students learn practical skills by decorating a school space or building items like benches, alongside site visits and sessions at Exeter or South Devon College.
- Sports – Includes a football ground visit and workshops with sector professionals such as managers, hospitality teams, and sports therapists. Torbay Council adds sessions on security, travel, and parking, while the police share insights into event operations.
- Health – Students gain hands-on experience through speech and language activities, simulated wards, and VR training at a local college.
Each model blends practical, employer-led activities with real-world insights to make experiences meaningful and inspiring.
Participating Schools
To date we have over 30 employers supporting this project. These include:
- Ontrack West Yarner
- River Dart Academy
- South Devon UTC
- St Cuthbert Mayne
- Stoke Damerel
- Torquay Boys Grammar School
- The Brunel
- Breakthrough
- Chulmleigh
- Cranbrook
- Exmouth Community College
- Glendinning
- Millbay Academy
- Mount Tamar
- Ontrack Totnes