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.
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.
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 ready to use Work Experience badged framework
Sub head
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
Trusted by partners
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
Get Started Today
1. DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE
Lean about how badges can make a difference in proving consistency to your work experience programme.
2. EARN THE BADGE
Lean about how badges can make a difference in proving consistency to your work experience programme.
3. GET BADGING
Get Access to the free badge templates and start recognising learners and Employers and tracking impact like a PRO.
“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
