Work experience provision ‘could improve retention’

Employers are being urged to provide more opportunities for young people to take part in work experience placements.

According to a survey carried out by the careers advice website b-live, three-quarters of employers believe work experience makes young people more employable.

However, just 18 per cent of those questioned said they offer adequate work experience opportunities within their own company, Personnel Today reports.

But Tanja Kuveljic, managing director at b-live, points out that offering work experience placements and engaging with young people can benefit employers.

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"It will add real value to the business by creating a sufficient talent pipeline, cutting recruitment costs and increasing retention," she remarked.

And she called for better communication between schools and employers to open up opportunities and prepare young people for the world of work.

Meanwhile, the government has published details of new diploma courses for 14 to 19-year-olds which will be available from next year and will focus on work experience in areas such as administration and finance, hair and beauty and hospitality, the Times reports.