Unlocking Potential: How Work Experience Supercharges Student Skills

Work experience is a crucial component in the development of young professionals and providing that, employer engagement is something that I am very passionate about. It provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge to the real-world, gain practical work-ready skills, and understand the dynamics of the workplace.

When Ofsted are going into schools, they are keen to understand progress with Gatsby Benchmark 4 which focuses on linking curriculum learning to careers. This benchmark emphasises the importance of making students aware of how their academic subjects relate to various career paths and employer encounters, therefore, it is vital as businesses that we help to facilitate those encounters.

Employer support could be achieved in a variety of ways from popping in to give a talk, taking part in careers fairs or school activities that involve businesses, joining employer advisory boards, offering an internships or work placement or scheduling work experience in person or virtually. There’s also the option to become an Enterprise Adviser paired directly with a local support. If you are stuck for ideas, have a look in the Careers & Enterprise website: https://www.careersandenterprise.co.uk

By working with Schools, Colleges and Universities we can better equip young people with the skills they will need in their future careers. Skill development is vital and work experience allows students to develop their entrepreneurial skills. Hard skills include technical abilities specific to their field, such as coding or data analysis, while soft skills encompass communication, teamwork, and problem-solving . These skills are highly valued by employers and can significantly enhance a student’s employability and readiness for the workplace.

The role of AI in enhancing work experience skills for students

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising various aspects of our lives, including education and professional development. 48% of Students, according to Turnitin, are already using AI-generated tools.

Businesses can use AI to create simulated work environments where students can practice and hone their skills. These simulations can mimic real-world scenarios, providing students with a safe space to learn and make mistakes without real-world consequences. This is particularly beneficial for students who may not have access to traditional internship opportunities due to geographical or financial constraints.

There are many AI-driven platforms that provide personalised learning experiences tailored to a student’s needs and career goals. These platforms can recommend courses, projects, and resources that align with the student’s interests and skill level

AI can assess a student’s skills and provide targeted recommendations for improvement. This can help students identify their strengths and weaknesses and focus on areas that need development. AI can also help students connect with professionals in their field and match them with suitable job opportunities.

AI tools for students

1. ChatGPT: helps generate ideas, answer questions, and provides explanations.
2. Grammarly: grammar and spell checker for grammar, punctuation, and style.
3. Google Gemini: research tool for relevant information and conducting research.
4. Microsoft Copilot Designer: art generation tool to create visual content for projects.
5. Otter AI: transcription tool converting spoken words into text for lectures and meetings.

Employer engagement isn’t limited by the size of your business. There are many ways you can get involved, connect with the Marches Careers Hub, and find out where you can add your support: https://www.marchescareershub.co.uk. Providing work experience is invaluable for students as it equips them with essential skills, helps them explore career options, and builds their professional network. AI can significantly enhance this experience by providing personalised learning, virtual internships, and continuous support, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the future workplace. If you want help with AI, talk to us!

Lewis, Hollie, and Charlie-Mae with the winners of the Dragon’s Den Challenge at Haberdasher’s Adams School.

Tags: Challenge, School, School Engagement, Work Experience