Benchmark 5: encounters with employers and employees
Benchmark 5 states that: every student should have multiple opportunities to learn from employers about work, employment and the skills that are valued in the workplace. This can be through a range of enrichment activities including visiting speakers, mentoring and enterprise schemes.
- Every year, from the age of 11, pupils in schools should participate in at least one meaningful encounter with an employer (a ‘meaningful encounter’ is one in which the student has the opportunity to learn about what work is like or what it takes to be successful in the workplace).
- Every year, alongside their study programme, students in colleges should participate in at least two meaningful encounters with an employer. At least one encounter should be delivered through their curriculum area.
The Society is able to support Gatsby Benchmark 5 in the following ways:
Schools and colleges should engage fully with national, regional and local employers and professional networks to ensure real-world connections and meaningful encounters with employers DfE Careers guidance and access for education and training providers, January 2023.
Careers resources from the Society
Teaching resources that link to real people in real jobs and flagging employers where appropriate.
Training and events
Careers and progression events for students and teachers using professional speakers from a range of employers and sectors.
Choose a career with geography
Our #ChooseGeography section includes information about the knowledge, skills and behaviours that make you employable as a geographer.
I am a geographer
Online Career profiles that provide pupils with access to a range of professional routes and geographical jobs through a range of employers.
Use Geography
Our 'Use Geography' video clips provide pupils with access to a range of professional routes and geographical jobs through a range of employers.
Choose geography apprenticeships
Information about apprenticeships, technical and vocational routes into geographical sectors and jobs through a range of employers.
Ask the geographer podcasts
Ask the Geographer podcasts allow students to engage with the latest geographical research and seek answers from a range of leading geography researchers and practitioners.
Work experience
Information about how to find work experience opportunities including a work experience directory.
Invite a Professional Ambassador
Find out what to expect if you are a teacher, school or university interested in inviting a Professional Ambassador.