The benefits of work experience programmes
February 21, 2008
Everybody remembers going on their work experience placement when they were in school. Many people take work experience in their further and higher education as well, including summer internships, gap year placements and workplace based projects. There are obvious benefits to the individual such as developing their work related skills, increasing their marketability and the opportunity to find out what it is they want to do as a career.
There are also benefits to be gained for an employer in taking on students for various work experience opportunities, including quite simply the ability to get additional labour into the business for a low cost. Developing relationships with academic institutions can also help to reduce recruitment costs in the future by targeting recruitment campaigns there or keeping interns on for full time positions after the end of their education.
Students can also bring the most up to date academic thinking into the workplace, and can provide a fresh pair of eyes to help solve problems. Introducing a programme can provide opportunities for more inexperienced staff who are seeking progression to learn and practice management skills on work experience placements.
Work experience programmes can assist with employer brand development and marketing, as well as raising the profile of the company within the local community. From an ethical and corporate social responsibility (CSR) point of view, offering work experience gives employers the chance to influence the skill set of the future labour force.
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