Liverpool City Region to trial new national work experience model

The Liverpool City Region has been selected to trial a new national framework designed to transform work experience for schoolchildren.

This “equalex” pilot will replace the traditional two-week block with a series of shorter experiences, totalling 10 days, spread throughout secondary education.

A number of organisations in the city region, including Jaguar Land Rover, Knowledge Quarter Liverpool, NHS England, Atkins Realis, Keepmoat, Kimpton, and Unilever, have expressed interest in supporting the pilot, along with numerous small and medium-sized businesses, and 12 schools.

The work experiences will be tailored to address skills gaps and prepare local children for careers in technology, particularly within the city region’s Life Sciences Innovation Zone.

This is one of four pilots across England, each testing a different aspect of the new model, before a potential national roll-out.

Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram said: “Work experience is a vital part of a young person’s education, helping to equip them with the knowledge, confidence, and skills they need for their future careers.

“But for too long, too many pupils have missed out on meaningful opportunities – leaving them at a disadvantage when they take their first steps into the world of work. That has to change.”

Rotheram added: “I’m delighted that our region has been chosen to help lead the way on this pilot. By giving schoolchildren real experience in some of our fastest-growing industries – like tech and our expanding Life Sciences Innovation Zone – 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.”