Fair chances, real beginnings…
The ambition for a work experience guarantee is grounded in the Gatsby Benchmarks - the nationally recognised standards for good careers education. They set out that every young person should have meaningful encounters with the workplace during secondary school. A series of flexible experiences - a few hours, a day, a project, a placement - each one opening doors to confidence, skills and belonging.
Readying for the next chapter…
CEC's role is to lead the system: setting frameworks, helping schools embed workplace experience into the curriculum, guiding employers to offer opportunities that work for them, and connecting it all locally through Careers Hubs.
With equalex – the national framework developed by CEC – every opportunity is shaped to be fair, purposeful and inclusive.
Modern work experience. Let’s make it work.
Let's make it work: Pledge spotlight
Join a growing national movement shaping the future of workplace experiences.
Pledging shows your support for CEC’s mission to ensure every young person benefits from meaningful, modern work experience. Explore how others are bringing their pledges to life, and add your voice.
Let's make it work: The Podcast
Our new podcast explores modern work experience through the lens of employers, educators, providers and more!
Each episode shares real stories, practical insights, and meaningful takeaways, alongside an introduction to equalex, our framework for high-quality, progressive workplace experiences.
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Insight briefing 1: Modern work experience pilots
Insights collected from over 3,100 schools in 44 Career Hubs across England in 2024/25 highlight challenges to delivering high-quality work experience at scale.
The Gatsby Benchmarks
The Gatsby Benchmarks is a renowned framework of eight benchmarks that define what world class careers provision in education looks like.