Insight briefing 1: Modern work experience pilots
Insight briefing 1: Modern work experience pilots
Insights from Year 1 pilots of the equalex framework
The evaluation of the first year of pilots of the equalex framework brings together evidence from four areas across England. It examines how schools, employers and Careers Hubs can work together to deliver progressive, high-quality, multiple workplace experiences for all learners. The full insight report is of particular interest to practitioners and to those considering implementing high-quality work experience at scale.
Key findings
1. The equalex framework was valued by schools, as a progressive, inclusive and practical model
- The framework raised quality
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… Responded to local labour market needs
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… Strengthened collaboration between schools and employers
2. Early evidence showed equalex delivering positive outcomes for learners and employers
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Early positive impact was seen for learners
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...With inclusivity and meaningful engagement for disadvantaged learners
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...Valued by employers and sustainable engagement models
3. To realise its full potential, equalex needs sustained, committed and collaborative leadership and consistent support across the careers system
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The equalex framework requires resources and support to be embedded across the curriculum successfully
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…Strengthening employer-school collaboration through shared intent
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…Ensuring equitable access through parent and carer engagement
What we did & who we reached
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Pilots: 4 Mayoral Combined Authorities, 5 multi-academy trusts, a collaborative employer pilot and campaign with small and medium-sized enterprises
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Learners: over 2,500 pupils from diverse contexts participated in equalex-aligned activities and placements
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Employers & providers: engaged through Careers Hubs to co-design structured, skills-focused experiences linked to curriculum outcomes
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Evaluation: York Consulting used a national logic model and common evaluation framework to assess impact on learners, schools, employers and the wider careers education system.
Why these results matter
Despite recent improvements in careers education, access to high-quality work experience remains uneven. The first year of piloting shows that, with the right focus, structure and support, meaningful experiences can be made accessible, inclusive and directly linked to learning outcomes.
Looking forward
Year 2 of the pilot (2025/26) will deepen the integration of equalex across schools and employers, testing scalable delivery models with six partners.
We will also extend the evidence base, supported by the JPMorganChase Foundation’s Future Ready Fund, to track longer-term impact on learner progression and career readiness.
In text references
- The Careers & Enterprise Company (2025). Insight Briefing: Gatsby Benchmark results for 2024/25.
- The Key Group (September 2025). How many pupils are getting work experience?
- Careers and Enterprise Company (2024). Modern Work Experience.
- Based on responses from 3,149 schools (65% of all schools).
- Department for Education (May 2025). Statutory guidance: Careers guidance and access for education and training providers
- HM Government (October 2025). Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper.
- Department for Education (2025). Curriculum and Assessment Review Final Report: Building a world-class curriculum for all.
- OECD (July 2025). Tailored Work Experience in Wales.
- As a result, among disengaged 14–16-year-olds identified as at risk of becoming NEET, 85% progressed to a positive destination at the end of Year 11.
- The Careers & Enterprise Company (2024). Looking deeper at destinations: Higher quality careers provision leads to positive student destinations.
- The Careers & Enterprise Company (2025). Insight Briefing: Career readiness through time (2025).
- The Careers & Enterprise Company (2025). Insight Briefing: Learner Career Readiness in 2024/25
- The Careers & Enterprise Company (2024).Employer Standards for Careers Education – One Year On.
- Department for Business & Trade (2024). Invest 2035: The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy.
- The Year 2 pilot continues work with the four existing Mayoral Combined Authority partners: Greater Manchester, Liverpool City Region, West Midlands, and West Yorkshire and two new partners: West of England and Devon, Plymouth & Torbay.
- The Careers & Enterprise Company (2025). The Future Ready Fund: A New Investment in the Future of Work Experience.
Insight briefing 1: Modern work experience pilots
Explore insights from the Year 1 pilots of the equalex framework.
Download the insight briefing