GATSBY BENCHMARK 5
Encounters with employers and employees
WHAT GOOD LOOKS LIKE
Every student should have multiple opportunities to learn from employers about work, employment and the skills that are valued in the workplace.
- Students should participate in at least one meaningful encounter with an employer every year from the age of 11.
- Work with your regional LEP to make sure you are aligning to the strategic economic plan of the region.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Research by the Education and Employers Taskforce suggests that a young person who has four or more encounters with an employer is 86% less likely to be unemployed or not in education or training, and can earn up to 18% more during their career.
- The 2016 Education and Skills Survey reported “a gap between education and the preparation people need for their future,” as well as “a gap between the skills needed and those people have”. Employer encounters help address these gaps in skills and knowledge.
- Social background has a profound effect on progression in learning and work. Expanding employer encounters broadens students’ horizons for action and fosters community cohesion. The King’s College London’s Aspires project found that students with low social capital stand to benefit most from improved careers education and links between education and employers.
- Structuring employer encounters within the school curriculum strengthens aspirations and attainment. It supports students to take action to achieve their full potential.
- New jobs are emerging, many in growing sectors like digital technology. First-hand encounters expand a student’s understanding of areas of growth.
- The Bank of England estimates up to 15 million jobs in the UK are under threat of automation over the next 2 decades. It is vital that students have first-hand contact with employers to help their understanding of the skills needed for their futures.
- There are significant ongoing weaknesses in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) talent-base, including under-representation of women and minority groups. Well-planned employer encounters can help address this imbalance.
TOP TIPS FOR EMPLOYERS
- Promote encounters as an exciting new staff development opportunity and a way of aiding retention, increasing motivation and attracting new recruits.
- Build links with local schools and colleges and be prepared to reach out to both special and mainstream schools. Being rooted in local communities helps enhance your business reputation and diversifies your talent pool.
- Ensure the role models and staff you deploy are well briefed and encourage interest and achievement from the broadest range of students.
- Ensure consideration is given to what the students want to learn and the teaching activities that will best meet these.
- Develop a shared approach with the school to plan and judge the general effectiveness of the encounters.
- Explore ways in which both the teachers and students can benefit from the encounters.
- See this as a long-term investment. Building relationships with local schools and colleges will help deliver sustainable high-impact programmes.
- Share approaches and celebrate success within your sector and business networks.
- Accept that success will not look the same to everyone and different routes and technical and academic pathways may be valid.