10 April 2017
DfE Launches Work Experience Pilot Scheme
The Department for Education (DfE) is looking for employers to support its work experience pilot, which will be delivered via The Challenge, to identify what good work placements should look like.
Last year, Government accepted the Independent Panel on Technical Education’s recommendation in the Post-16 Skills Plan that every 16 – 19 year old learner undertaking a college based, technical education route would be entitled to a three month work placement.
This placement should provide learners with the opportunity to develop the specific technical and practical skills needed for skilled employment in their field of study. To achieve the new ‘T-Level’ qualification which will be rolled out in further education colleges from 2019, learners will need to complete work experience to pass their course.
As one of the 15 new further education routes, construction will need to be ready to provide substantial, longer-term work experience to young people when the T-Level is implemented between 2019 and 2022.
The Challenge, is looking for employers to pilot these opportunities with local providers in their area. Employers will need to:
• provide a 40-day minimum work placement for a student on a relevant course. The structure will be based on the needs of the local provider and could include 10-20 weeks of 2-4 days a week
• ensure there is a safe work environment and opportunities for the student to develop their technical skills within construction
• provide a line manager to support, supervise and mentor the student.
Build UK members who participate will have the opportunity to actively influence what good placements look like and identify the specific challenges which may face construction, and the other 14 routes.
Build UK has produced some guidance to support members offering work experience.
Click here to register to offer work experience or to enquire further.