two professionals guiding group of young work experience learners around the office

Modern work experience

Flexible. Meaningful. Designed for today’s world of work.

Modern work experience is changing - and that’s good news for employers and young people across Kent and Medway. The traditional two week block placement is evolving into a more flexible, inclusive and impactful model that works for modern businesses and better prepares young people for the future.

The Government’s ambition is that every young person will access at least 10 days of high quality work experience across secondary education. Rather than one fixed placement, this happens as a journey of progressive experiences, building confidence, skills and motivation over time.

The Kent & Medway Careers Hub works with employers to co create modern work experience so it is valuable, manageable and meaningful - whatever time or resources you have available. Work with us to be part of this new era of workplace experiences.

Find out more about The Careers and Enterprise Company's national campaign - Let's Make it Work

Key information

Modern work experience:

moves away from a single, two week placement
is delivered as multiple experiences from Years 7–11
combines activities, visits and placement
focuses on developing workplace skills, behaviours and understanding
is designed to be more equitable and accessible for all young people.

This new approach recognises that not all businesses can host week long placements — but all employers can play a part.

By supporting modern work experience, employers can:

inspire young people and raise aspirations
build awareness of careers, pathways and sectors
develop future talent and strengthen recruitment pipelines
increase workforce diversity and social value
upskill employees through mentoring and volunteering
gain fresh perspectives from young people

Even a short interaction can make a lasting difference.

Modern work experience is designed to fit around your business. You could support:

a few hours - a workplace visit, careers talk or skills session
half a day - hosting a project, challenge or Skills360 activity
one day or more - structured insight days or sector experiences
a week - a traditional or blended work experience placement.

Activities can be delivered in person or virtually, as one off opportunities or as part of a longer journey.

Effective experiences are:

purposeful - with clear learning outcomes
engaging - interactive and based on real work or projects
inclusive - showcasing diverse roles, routes and role models
supported - young people are prepared before and helped to reflect afterwards
reflective - feedback is shared both ways.

The Careers Hub supports employers and schools to design experiences that meet national guidance while working for your organisation to:

design flexible work experience offers
align activities with school needs and learning outcomes
coordinate engagement across multiple schools
ensure experiences are impactful for young people and manageable for businesses.

Together, we can create a connected journey of work experiences - from early inspiration through to meaningful placements - that enrich learning, build confidence and motivate young people.

Ready to get involved?

Whether you can offer a few hours or a full week, your support matters. Work with us to help shape modern work experience and inspire the workforce of tomorrow.

More information and resources

Step 1: Administrative tasks

What you need to understand and complete to ensure the health and safety of any young people visiting your workplace.

https://resources.careersandenterprise.co.uk/resources/step-1-administrative-tasks

Step 2: Establish connections

Use these resources to connect to Careers Hubs and providers and know what questions to ask.

https://resources.careersandenterprise.co.uk/resources/step-2-establish-connections

Step 3: Planning

We've got you covered with checklists, examples, templates and guides.

https://resources.careersandenterprise.co.uk/resources/step-3-planning