Work Experience Framework

Recognise meaningful
Work Experience
Free for education and charities

A structured Work Experience (WEX) programme with built-in digital badges for Learners, Educators and Employers. Designed with careers experts to raise quality, consistency, and impact.

Sign up it's Free

Structured

Clear steps before, during, and after placements to guide everyone involved.

Consistent Quality

Aligned to industry standards like with Gatsby Benchmark 6 and Career Enterprise

Supported

Ready-to-use resources for staff, learners, and host employers.

“This is a superb evidence based way to recognise, evidence and promote work experience”

Cameron King - Employment and Skills Programme Lead, Royal Borough of Kingston Council

Evidence from government, employers, and education bodies consistently shows that work experience transforms outcomes for young people.

Why Work Experience Matters

1. Employment outcomes

Government and NIESR research found that 19–24 year olds who took part in work experience were significantly more likely to find sustained employment and less likely to rely on benefits.

2. Skills development

CIPD and UK Parliament research show that only one in four employers believe young people are work‑ready. Work experience builds essential skills, confidence, and awareness of workplace expectations

Motivation & attainment

Teachers and pupils report that students return from placements more motivated, with many improving academic performance and even securing part‑time jobs or apprenticeships as a direct result.

A FREE ready to use Work Experience badged framework

A free, ready-to-use Work Experience framework with built-in digital badges for learners, educators, and employers. Developed with careers experts, schools, and employers, it sets a clear standard for high-quality work experience in your city.

Sign-up

For Learners

  • Confidence – travel, time management, and workplace readiness

  • Skills – workplace behaviours, communication, and teamwork

  • Clarity – reflect on experiences to shape future choices

  • Recognition – earn a badge that signals independence, responsibility, and career awareness

For Educators

  • Capability – tools and confidence to support meaningful placements

  • Impact – guide learners effectively before, during, and after placement

  • Partnerships – build stronger employer relationships for future opportunities

  • Consistency – deliver high-quality WEX aligned with Gatsby Benchmark 6

For Employers

  • Host – provide safe, supportive, inclusive, high-quality placements

  • Commit – nurture young talent, set benchmark for others

  • Connect – strengthen ties with education and business community

Developed with

How does it work?

Sign-up

1. Sign up

Register for free and access a ready-made Work Experience framework designed with careers experts and aligned to Gatsby Benchmark 6.

2. Issue digital badges

When a placement is completed, issue digital badges to:

  • Learners for preparing, engaging, and reflecting on their experience

  • Educators for coordinating and supporting placements

  • Employers for hosting safe, supportive work experience

All badges are evidence-based and quality assured

3. Share

Badges can be shared on digital CVs, applications, portfolios, and LinkedIn, providing clear proof of meaningful work experience.