Gatsby Benchmark 6

Experiences of workplaces: Every learner should have first-hand experiences of workplaces to help their exploration of career opportunities and expand their networks.

Schools

• By the age of 16, every pupil should have had meaningful experiences of workplaces.
• By the age of 18, every pupil should have had at least one further meaningful experience.

Colleges and ITP’s

• By the end of their programme of study, every learner should have had at least one meaningful experience of a workplace, in addition to any part-time jobs they may have

Gatsby have provided a definition of what constitutes a meaningful experience: 

Meaningful checklist: 

❑ have a clear purpose, shared with employer and young person 

❑ underpinned by learning outcomes appropriate to the young person 

❑ extensive two-way interactions between the young person and the employees 

❑ meet a range of people from the workplace 

❑ perform a task or produce a piece of work relevant to the workplace 

❑ employer provides feedback 

❑ time for the young person to reflect on insights, knowledge or skills gained.

 Things to be mindful of: 

• offer varied formats 

• encourage active participation 

• facilitate feedback 

• ensure inclusive access and support.

This How to Guide will help you understand how to embed progressive employer encounters and work experiences that will support you meeting the new Statutory Guidance and Gatsby Benchmarks.

Please Note: we are continually developing these pages, please Get In Touch if links are not working or you have any ideas to help us improve the site.