Benchmark 6: experiences of workplaces

Benchmark 6 states that: Every learner should have first-hand experiences of workplaces to help their exploration of career opportunities and expand their networks.

• By the age of 16, every pupil should have had meaningful experiences of workplaces.
• By the age of 18, every pupil should have had at least one further meaningful experience.

Definition of ‘Meaningful’ for Benchmark 6

A meaningful experience gives the young person the opportunity to explore what it is like to work in that environment, what skills are valued in the workplace, their recruitment processes and what it takes to be successful. This could be achieved through visits to workplaces, work shadowing and/or work experience. Throughout the careers programme these experiences could be in person or a combination of in person and virtual, where appropriate.

A meaningful experience will:

• have a clear purpose, which is shared with the employer and the young person.
• be underpinned by learning outcomes that are appropriate to the needs of the young person.
• involve extensive two-way interactions between the young person and employees.
• include opportunities for young people to meet a range of different people from the workplace.
• include opportunities for young people to perform a task set by the employer or to produce a piece of work relevant to that workplace.
• include the employer providing feedback to the young person about their work.
• be followed by opportunities for the young person to reflect on the insights, knowledge or skills gained through their experience.

The Society is able to support Gatsby Benchmark 6 in the following ways: