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Why work experience matters | From the perspective of a university student
Written by Oliver Davies-Patrick, Creative Writing student, on 22 April 2024.
National Work Experience Week, which this year runs from 22 to 26 April, is the perfect opportunity for young people to kickstart their careers. Finding work experience at a young age is vital for success as it encourages those who are uncertain about their future to research jobs that align with their passions and interests. Gaining an understanding of the working world and how it differs from a classroom can produce a confident employee who is aware of what is expected of them, both behaviourally and in terms of performance.
Wanting to build upon my research and communication skills, I decided that digital marketing and content writing were ideal spaces in which I could utilise my Creative Writing degree while also earning enough to support myself financially. My time spent with the WorkNest marketing team provided firsthand experience of the corporate world, giving me an understanding how transferable skills can be useful and an insight into the multifaceted roles within the department.
After receiving an overview of the business and gaining an understanding of the types of content produced by the team, I was tasked with creating blog posts for potential publication. Covering topics such as ‘Managing stress in the workplace’ and ‘Supporting neurodiversity awareness week’, I felt inspired to showcase my abilities while utilising the time management and analysis skills I honed at university. I felt comfortable asking questions that enhanced my understanding of digital marketing and content writing, while also learning how the team prioritise deadlines, set goals, and work efficiently together.
In addition to content writing, I spent time with the digital marketing team and learnt more about the importance of aesthetics in website and advert design, as well as the different software used in marketing.
I believe that employers who offer work experience and set constructive, challenging tasks will benefit greatly from the experience because it engages the individual and helps uncover talents and admirable qualities such as leadership and self-motivation. This can inform their search for future candidates who understand the business and have the potential to succeed.
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Employment law, health and safety, and work experience
Generally, work experience is an opportunity for someone to spend a limited time with an organisation. A common duration for a work experience programme in the UK is around two weeks; however, the nature, length and arrangements for work experience vary greatly.
There are several considerations for employers when offering a work experience placement.
DBS checks
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) (formerly CRB) check is not compulsory for staff supervising participants aged 16-17. In the case of work experience, a DBS check will only be required if an employee’s specific job purpose includes looking after under-16 work experience students. Workers aged 16-17 who help, or work with young people of their own age, require a DBS check when taking part in volunteering, part-time work or unpaid work experience which involves a regulated activity with those under 18. This applies even if the individual is under 18 themselves. No DBS checks can be carried out on anyone under the age of 16. Employers can refuse requests by the education provider that checks are carried out for those aged 16-17. DBS checks can only be made for eligible roles which can be checked using the DBS Eligibility Tool. For more information, refer to guidance from the Disclosure & Barring Service.
Health and safety
Despite not being a fully-fledged member of the team, employers taking on a young person for work experience shoulder the main responsibility for their health and safety. Employers should always check that the individual on work experience knows how to raise health and safety concerns.
Under health and safety law, work experience students are employees, like any other young person employed by the organisation. There are very few work activities that a student cannot do because of health and safety law.
Risk assessments
It’s essential for employers to assess and mitigate risks for all workers, with additional consideration for young people who are in a new working environment. For example, they may not have the same muscle strength and lack the skills and experience of more experienced employees.
Written risk assessments are not required for employers with fewer than five employees; however, risks must still be assessed. If you have not taken on a young person in several years or you’re hosting a work experience student for the first time, it’s essential to identify the specific needs of the individual and review risk assessments before they start, to ensure a safe work environment.
If a work experience student increases the staff levels to five, a written risk assessment is not required for the temporary period.
Employer’s liability insurance
People on work experience should be covered by the employer’s existing employers’ liability insurance policy, provided your insurer is a member of the Association of British Insurers (ABI). See the ABI website for more information.
Pay and duration of placement
Young people can be taken on by an organisation in a number of different ways. However, where an employer takes on a young person of compulsory school age, for a short-term work experience placement, they do not need to pay them for their time.
However, it is important that employers understand the employment status and entitlement, including the right to National Minimum Wage (NMW) or National Living Wage (NLW), that apply to each individual in their organisation.
Employers should establish if any arrangements make them a ‘worker’ or an ‘employee’ for NMW/NLW purposes. It’s important to be clear about what is being offered on a work experience placement to ensure it adheres to entitlement guidelines.
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At WorkNest, we specialise in providing expert advice to employers to help them navigate the intricacies of employment law and health and safety. Get in touch with our team on 0345 226 8393 or request your free consultation using the button below to find out how we can help.
