Gatsby Benchmark Five

Encounters with employers and employees

Every pupil should have multiple opportunities to learn from employers about work, employment and the skills that are valued in the workplace. This can be through a range of enrichment opportunities including visiting speakers, mentoring and enterprise schemes, and could include pupils’ own part-time employment where it exists.

Schools

Every year, from the age of 11, pupils should participate in at least one meaningful encounter with an employer.

Colleges

Every year, alongside their study programme, students in colleges should participate in at least two meaningful encounters with an employer. At least one encounter should be delivered through their curriculum area.

Making it meaningful

A meaningful encounter gives the young person the opportunity to learn about what work is like, what skills are valued in the workplace, their recruitment processes and what it takes to be successful. Throughout a careers programme, young people should encounter employers of different sizes and specialisms, including the self-employed, that reflect trends in the labour market, regionally and nationally. These encounters could be in person or a combination of in person and virtual, where appropriate. Both the young person and employers should be supported to prepare for the encounter. Additional or different support may be needed for vulnerable and disadvantaged young people and for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

A meaningful encounter will:

• have a clear purpose, which is shared with the employer and the young person
• be underpinned by learning outcomes that are appropriate to the needs of the young person
• have opportunities for two-way interactions between the young person and the employer
• be followed by time for the young person to reflect on the insights, knowledge or skills gained through the encounter

We’ve created a list of providers and employers that offer employer encounter activities.

Note, all links and resources provided are for general informational purposes only. Links to external websites and resources are provided for convenience and do not imply endorsement. Please investigate and judge independently whether appropriate for your institution.