Let's make it work: The Podcast

In this episode, we explore how a whole-school approach can transform modern work experience into a powerful driver of engagement, attainment and sustained destinations.  

This careers education podcast examines how leaders can position work experience as a strategic lever, strengthening attendance, raising aspirations and improving long-term outcomes. Through real examples and practical insight, we unpack embedding employability within the curriculum, building on existing good practice and securing leadership buy-in, ensuring every experience is purposeful and impactful

This careers education podcast focuses on three core themes: 
Mapping the great work you already do 
Many schools are already delivering fantastic career-related learning. We discuss how auditing existing activity, aligning it to frameworks like Gatsby Benchmarks and equalex, and strengthening evaluation can ensure experiences are progressive, inclusive and impactful. 

Getting leadership buy-in 
Modern work experience is most powerful when it is seen not as an add-on, but as a strategic priority. We explore how to evidence impact through destination data, attendance patterns and compelling student stories, reframing modern work experience as central to improvement planning rather than peripheral to it. 

Embedding in the curriculum 
Our guests discuss how employer encounters, workplace visits and structured reflection can be carefully designed to align with curriculum goals. By connecting subject learning to real-world application, schools can build confidence, develop transferable skills and support informed decision-making. 

Useful resources: 
Insight briefing 1: Modern work experience pilots | The Careers and Enterprise Company 
equalex | CEC Resource Directory  
Leadership in action: defining the future for high quality, modern work experience 
Understanding how to embed progressive employer encounters and work experiences | CEC Resource Directory 
Careers Impact system internal leadership review | CEC Resource Directory

In this episode, Sian explores how high-quality work experience can become a powerful stepping stone into apprenticeships - and the importance of inclusive, equitable access so all young people can see apprenticeships as a realistic next step.  

Joined by Anna Morrison CBE, Director of Amazing Apprenticeships and Sophie Brown, Solicitor Apprentice and Co-Chair of The Careers & Enterprise Company's Youth Advisory group.   

Together, they unpack how progressive work experience builds confidence, develops career-ready skills, and opens real pathways into apprenticeships, whilst demystifying career pathways and sharing lived experiences. 

Useful resources: 
Modern work experience 
Amazing Apprenticeships | Explore Technical Education & Apprenticeship Opportunities 
Accessing apprenticeships for SEND students  
Youth Advisory Group | The Careers and Enterprise Company
The Podcast | The Careers and Enterprise Company

In this episode of Let’s Make It Work, we explore how work experience has evolved – and what it needs to become if every young person is to benefit. 
Joined by Bobby Seagull MBE – teacher, author and broadcaster, Nicola Hall, Director of Education at The Careers & Enterprise Company and Ian Browne, Early Careers and Skills Growth Lead at Lloyds Banking Group.  
Together, the guests unpack the challenges of traditional, week-block placements and make the case for a more modern approach: multiple, high-quality workplace experiences embedded throughout education. They discuss how employers and educators can start small, co-create opportunities, raise aspirations, and close gaps for young people who are missing out. 

Useful resources:
Statutory guidance on careers, updated in May 2025  

The Gatsby Benchmarks 

Modern work experience and our research insights  

Getting started with modern work experience for educators, employers and providers 

Using the equalex learning outcomes to plan impactful work experience 

What is Skills Builder? 

Find out more about Lloyds Banking Group’s school engagement  

Get in touch:  
How is modern work experience being implemented in your organisation? What is working well for you so far? Please do get in touch at [email protected]

Hear from our host Sian Gresswell about what Let's make it work: The Podcast has to offer. Episode 1: Bringing modern work experience to life, drops on 14th January.
Make sure to follow/subscribe to get notified when the episode is out.
For more info on The Careers & Enterprise Company, visit our website.

Our first episode will launch on the 14th January - for more exciting details, follow The Careers & Enterprise Company LinkedIn