WMCA Careers Hub launches pilot to radically shake-up work experience for school children in Wolverhampton

An ambitious national plan to reinvent work experience for schoolchildren is to be tested in the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA). 

WMCA Careers Hub are working in partnership with the City of Wolverhampton Council to identify and engage young people in need of targeted support in the Wolverhampton area.  

The pilot will test a new framework to improve work experience for every pupil. Instead of the traditional two-week block, young people will access high-quality and multiple experiences totalling 10 days throughout secondary education.

Evidence suggests that starting earlier and giving young people more touchpoints with employers secures better employment outcomes. The new approach also makes it easier for all types of employers to get involved – including SMEs. 

Prominent employers – including Atkins Realis, Midlands Metro, Arup, KPMG, E.ON energy, DPD and Willmott Dixon – are interested in supporting the pilot, along with small and medium-sized businesses, and several schools in Wolverhampton. 

The pilot is targeting the most disadvantaged young people in the region to develop key skills, learn about different jobs and help get them ready for work. 

The WMCA model is one of four pilots developed in partnership with Mayoral Combined Authorities each across the country. Each is testing a different part of the new approach, before national roll-out. 

The government has committed to ensuring that all students are provided with at least two weeks' worth of work experience over the course of their secondary education. The Careers & Enterprise Company, the national body for careers education, is piloting this guarantee through its national network of Careers Hubs. 

The goal is to ensure work experience builds up over time, and focuses on key workplace skills and emerging sectors, such as life sciences, advanced manufacturing and digital. 

Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister for Skills said: “Skills will power this mission driven government and our Plan for Change. Quality careers advice has been unavailable to most young people for far too long, holding them back from success and making rewarding careers a privilege for the better off. This initiative will break down barriers to opportunity by connecting young people with businesses that need their talents and energy.” 

Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority, said: 
"The West Midlands region is leading the way in skills development, helping people get the training and work experience they need to secure good quality jobs. We are delivering a pilot that will transform how young people get access to and gain skills from their work experience. It’s essential that we work together with businesses to ensure that our young people are equipped with the skills they need for the future, tackling youth unemployment and opening up opportunities to our residents across the region.” 

Oli de Botton, CEO of The Careers & Enterprise Company said: 
“We are thrilled to be working with the West Midlands Combined Authority to launch a new work experience pilot for young people in the area. The approach means that learners from ages 11-14 will access the region's fast-growing industries over 10 days’ worth of high-quality experiences and will drive our NEET prevention ambitions. Our goal is to ensure that all young people, particularly those who are currently missing out, can gain the experiences that help them get ready to thrive in the future.” 

Councillor Chris Burden, Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills of Wolverhampton County Council said: We’re delighted that Wolverhampton has been chosen to help lead the way on this innovative pilot. By giving our young people multiple experiences in some of our pioneering businesses in the community – we’re not just equipping them with the skills for the jobs of the future, we’re making sure those opportunities are open to everyone, no matter their background.”