Social Impact
Why work experience matters for young people
01 October 2026Research indicates that early exposure to work environments significantly aids post-16 educational and career decisions, reducing the likelihood of young people becoming NEET.
To explore the benefits to employers of providing work experience, we spoke to Dr Anthony Mann, lead author of the recently published ‘Work Experience, Past Present and Future’ report and an expert in youth career development research and policy and Sian Elliott CBE, Director of Organising and Skills at TUC. Together, they discuss the commercial importance of building a future talent pipeline, how employers and trade unions can provide meaningful experiences of work and making work experience equitable for all young people.