National Work Experience Month: Opening Doors for Young People Through BEST
Every July, National Work Experience Month shines a spotlight on the importance of meaningful work experience opportunities for young people across the UK. The campaign aims to increase awareness, improve access to high-quality placements, and strengthen collaboration between employers, schools, colleges, and training providers. Research continues to show that young people who participate in work experience gain valuable employability skills, increase their confidence, and are better prepared for the transition from education into employment.
At BEST (Business and Education Succeeding Together), we are proud to play an active role in supporting young people to access these valuable opportunities throughout the year, not just during National Work Experience Month.
Why Work Experience Matters
Work experience provides much more than an insight into a particular job or industry. It helps young people to:
• Develop workplace skills and behaviours
• Build confidence and resilience
• Explore career options and make informed decisions
• Understand employer expectations
• Strengthen their CVs and future applications
• Develop professional networks and contacts
For many young people, work experience can open up new possibilities and help shape their future ambitions. However, access to high-quality placements is not always equal and can depend on personal networks or existing connections, creating barriers for some learners. National Work Experience Month highlights the importance of giving every young person fair access to meaningful workplace experiences.
How BEST Supports Work Experience
BEST works closely with employers, schools, colleges, and community partners across Wandsworth to create high-quality work experience opportunities for young people.
Our support includes:
Building Employer Partnerships
We work with local businesses and organisations to identify placement opportunities across a wide range of sectors. These partnerships help young people gain exposure to real workplaces while enabling employers to support the development of the future workforce.
Matching Young People to Opportunities
BEST helps connect students with placements that align with their interests, strengths, and career ambitions. We support both employers and young people throughout the process to ensure successful and meaningful experiences.
Supporting Schools and Colleges
We collaborate with education providers to coordinate placements, share opportunities, and promote best practice in work-related learning.
Promoting Inclusive Opportunities
BEST is committed to ensuring that all young people, including those who may face additional barriers to employment, can access valuable workplace experiences and develop the skills needed for future success.
Preparing Young People for the Workplace
Through employability support and assembly presentation, we help young people feel confident and prepared before starting their placements.
Celebrating Success During National Work Experience Month
National Work Experience Month provides an excellent opportunity to celebrate the employers, educators, and young people who make work experience possible. Their commitment helps create pathways into employment, apprenticeships, further education, and long-term career success.
At BEST, we would like to thank all of our employer partners and stakeholders who continue to invest their time, expertise, and opportunities in supporting local young people.
Together, we are helping to inspire ambition, raise aspirations, and ensure that every young person has the opportunity to gain the skills and experiences they need to thrive.
Get Involved
If your organisation would like to support young people through work experience placements, mentoring, workplace visits, or careers activities, BEST would love to hear from you.
By working together, we can create more opportunities, broaden horizons, and help shape the workforce of the future.