A survey* reveals that young people want to gain confidence and insight into the world of work through work experience, with 88% saying it would help with job applications and 74% that it would clarify their future choices. Employers see the long-term benefits too; 65% say work experience helps them identify future employees and 49% report that it improves their organisation’s reputation.

A pathway limited by privilege

While the data highlights a shared belief in the value of work experience it also exposes major barriers that disproportionately impact young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Most young people (77%) take part in work experience, with the majority of those securing placements via school or college (50%). However, more than a third (34%) rely on family contacts, leaving over two-thirds (69%) of young people feeling it was unfair that access often depends on “who you know”. Just 16% of young people secured placements independently.

The results also show almost one-third of employers (29%) struggle to find candidates from diverse backgrounds who meet their inclusion goals, suggesting that current work experience pathways may hinder diversity efforts.

“Too many young people are locked out of early career experiences simply because they don’t have the opportunities or right connections,” said Sarah Beale, AAT CEO. “That’s a clear barrier to social mobility, and one we are determined to break down.”

Financial and geographic barriers

Both young people and employers identified costs as a significant challenge. 41% of young people had less than £8 per day to spend on work experience related costs such as travel, food or suitable clothing, while 8% said they simply couldn’t attend work experience unless expenses were fully covered. Currently, 51% of work experience candidates receive pay and have expenses reimbursed in full, however 29% of employers said rising staffing and operational costs would limit their ability to support candidates in future.

In many cases, opportunities are concentrated in urban centres with 40% of employers hosting their work experience candidates in Greater London, but only 31% of survey respondents based there, suggesting this limits opportunity for young people based on location.

Virtual experience: broadening access and boosting impact

The potential for virtual work experience to address these inequalities is clear. Two-thirds (67%) of young people believe it is more accessible, and 72% said it allows them to apply for placements outside their local area.

Encouragingly, over the last three years, employers have been changing their approach to work experience, with 19% now offering virtual placements. This has led to 13% typically hosting candidates virtually, with 33% hosted in a hybrid capacity. While these figures are positive, there remains significant scope for more employers to expand remote work experience – better aligning with today’s digital work environment.

*AAT