Encounters with employers and employees

Every pupil 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 should participate in at least one meaningful encounter* with an employer. 

* A ‘meaningful’ encounter is one in which the student has an opportunity to learn about what work is like or what it takes to be successful in the workplace. 

(From Good Career Guidance website Encounters with employers and employees | Gatsby) 

Building up good relationships with local employers and businesses is key to helping students understand the world of work. There are several ways to offer pupils the opportunity to engage with employers in a valuable and educational way. This could include: 

• Work experience 
• Employer talks 
• Impactful careers fairs 
• Employer visits 
• Careers events- such as a STEM fair
• Mock interviews  
• Speed networking 

Other helpful resources might be sharing employer/employee experience videos, showcasing local industry or engaging with your Enterprise Advisor network to discuss further ideas, or building on current provision to make it more impactful. 

It is important to ensure that experiences are meaningful and impart information and advice that students will find useful when career planning. This may mean considering learning outcomes for any experiences with preparation and evaluation lessons as part of the activity. 

Guidance around the use of online encounters during covid restrictions can be found here: online_engagement_guidance_option_2.pdf (careersandenterprise.co.uk) 

Having meaningful and engaging encounters with employers allows students to explore different career options and roles, broadening their horizons and aspirations, enabling them to make informed choices.