Fresh Futures welcomes the launch of the Government’s new National Mission on Work Experience, a major initiative designed to expand opportunities for young people to gain meaningful experience of the workplace.
Launched this week, the National Mission on Work Experience is calling on employers across the country to create an additional 200,000 work experience placements for young people aged 14 to 16, helping to ensure every young person has the opportunity to develop workplace skills, raise aspirations and make informed choices about their future.
The mission forms part of wider education reforms aimed at strengthening technical and vocational pathways and improving young people’s readiness for employment. The Government is working with employers, local authorities and Careers Hubs to increase access to high-quality work experience opportunities, particularly for those who might otherwise struggle to access them.
At Brian Jackson College, we know that meaningful encounters with employers can be transformational. Exposure to the world of work helps young people build confidence, develop essential life skills and see new possibilities for their future. For many young people, especially those facing disadvantage, work experience can be a crucial stepping stone towards employment, training and further education.
The launch of the National Mission on Work Experience reflects what young people have been telling us for years: they want opportunities to explore different careers, connect with employers and gain real-world experience that helps them prepare for adulthood.
Fresh Futures Chief Executive Mark Farmer said:
“Too often, access to quality work experience depends on who you know rather than what you can do. This mission has the potential to open doors for thousands more young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, helping them to make informed decisions about their next steps and future careers.”
“We strongly welcome the launch of the National Mission on Work Experience. Every young person deserves the chance to discover their strengths, build their confidence and develop skills that will help them thrive in the future.”
Fresh Futures looks forward to working with schools, employers and partners across Yorkshire and beyond to help ensure that all young people, regardless of their background, can benefit from high-quality work experience opportunities.
As an organisation committed to improving life chances and supporting young people to achieve their full potential, we believe this mission is a positive step towards creating a fairer system where every young person can access the opportunities they need to succeed.