Pre-16 work experience practice in England: an evaluation

In January 2000, the Institute for Employment Studies (IES), in partnership with Employment Research, was commissioned by the Department for Education and Employment (DfEE) to evaluate the pre-16 work experience in England. The aims of this study were: (1) to assess the current work experience policy and practice focusing on the impacts of policy changes since 1996, when the last major evaluation was carried out; and (2) to further enhance the quality of work experience by informing the development of policies. Major findings included: most participants were satisfied with the quality of pre- and post-placement processes; there has been an improvement in quality in terms of pre-placement preparation, health and safety checking, teacher visits and placement completion rates; there was still scope for improvement in areas such as employer involvement in preparation and debriefing, integrating work experience within the curriculum, health and safety, and equal opportunities; placements appeared to offer greater experience and more learning opportunities than part-time work; and teachers believed work experience promoted students' personal and social development, and enhanced their maturity and understanding of the world of work. The chapters are: Introduction; Volume, length and timing; Organisation of work experience; Finding, checking, matching and preparation; Work experience placements; Debriefing and follow-up; Value, quality and impact; Work experience and part-time work; Conclusions. Also included are three appendices: (1) Research methodology; (2) Questionnaires; (3) References. Show less