Benchmark 6
Experience of Workplaces
Gatsby benchmark 6 encapsulates the need for every student to have the opportunity for work experience by the age of 16 and an additional opportunity by age 18. This should lead them to a greater depth of understanding about the world of work.
What does it entail?
- By the age of 16, every pupil should have had at least one experience of a workplace, additional to any part-time jobs they may have
- By the age of 18, or before the end of their study programme, every student should have had at least one experience of a workplace, additional to any part-time jobs they may have
What are the minimum requirements?
- Learning outcomes are defined, based on the age and needs of students
- Student meets a range of people from the workplace
- There is extensive two-way interaction between the student and employees
- Student must perform a task or produce a piece of work relevant to that workplace and receive feedback on it from the employer
Achievement of this benchmark
There is recognition that the achievement of this benchmark will be challenging during these difficult and evolving times and Careers Leaders will need to use their professional judgment when assessing whether the quality of the encounters and experiences that students undertake contribute to the achievement of the benchmarks.
The Gatsby Benchmarks hold the same level of relevance in an online world and continue to work as a framework for quality careers guidance. The Compass tool questions have not changed, however, and Careers Leaders should refer to the Meaningful Encounters Framework and checklist and the Gatsby Benchmark Toolkits for schools and colleges to support them in their judgement.
Why does this matter?
- Experiences of the workplace can create social capital for young people with more limited networks
- Experiences of the workplace give students the opportunity to develop essential skills
- 8.2% of people aged 16 – 64 in the UK today (3.4 million people in total) have never had a paid job (besides casual and holiday work) Never ever report 2020, Resolution Foundation
- This webinar will assist with the planning and implementation of meaningful work experiences
Health and Safety guidance:
A key concern for staff, parents and employers when considering work experience placements is the Health and Safety of the young person. Different sectors will require different risk assessments depending on the role being undertaken. More information is available here.