Marvin OnumonuThe 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.”
Research found that since the government removed the statutory requirement for schools to deliver work experience in England in 2012, participation levels have declined.
It is understood that approximately 50% of young people undertake work experience.
The equalex pilot, developed by The Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC) and supported by Careers Hubs, is a multi-year, multi-experience model integrated with the curriculum and accessible to all learners.
The structured method provides a range of workplace experiences across ten days during secondary education.
The initiative will focus on the key growth sectors of Advanced Manufacturing, Digital and Creative, and Health and Life Sciences.
It will be delivered in partnership with the LCR Careers Hub at no cost to the participating schools.
The new model allows for flexible work experience placements across Key Stage 3 and 4, giving students the chance to make informed decisions both before and after selecting their GCSE options.
The project will also examine the challenges faced by employers in providing work experience and seek to encourage greater business participation.
Oli de Botton, CEO of The Careers & Education Company, said: “We are thrilled to be working with the Liverpool City Region 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.
“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.”
