A new £1.5m work experience programme run by Education Development Trust (EDT) has opened its doors to educational institutions and students in greater London, promising to help thousands of young people gain vocational experience directly with local employers.
The Get Ahead Work Experience Programme tailors placements to the expressed career interests of students, supporting them through two to five-day vocational work experiences relevant to their aspirations and designed to ensure meaningful interaction with employers.
Young people in East, South and West London stand to benefit from the scheme, which will run until the end of March 2025 in partnership with the Greater London Authority (GLA).
Aimed at 16- to 19-year-olds in education, the programme will facilitate quality work experiences for young people at a critical juncture in their lives by matching pupils to London-based employers able to provide transformational placements in real-life settings.
Inclusivity sits at the heart of the new initiative, with targeted support for students identified as at risk of not being in education, employment or training (NEET) following post-16 education and those with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
Young people with SEND will be able to access Get Ahead up to the age of 25, benefitting from the same specialist team of expert Work-Related Learning Advisors who will work to help all pupils get the most out of their placements.
Melanie Rignall from Education Development Trust said, “Our longstanding experience as an organisation and available research tell us that quality work experience embedded within schools is transformative to the career prospects of young people and reaps benefits for society as a whole.
“London is fortunate to have the very best local employers on its doorstep. EDT will be working to match pupils with businesses ready to tap into the talent of the next generation, gifting them the confidence and the skills needed to fill the roles of tomorrow.”
The Get Ahead Programme is part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), established to support the government’s Levelling Up agenda. The fund aims to reduce the barriers economically inactive people face to employment and support them on their journey towards work and education.
