At the DHL UK Foundation, our mission is to help underserved young people access decent employment and thrive in their careers. Through our GoTeach programme and wider charitable partnerships, we connect young people with the world of work, broaden horizons and support informed career choices. As national discussions continue around expanding work experience opportunities, we are proud to have funded a major new report from Education and Employers that demonstrates the importance of meaningful employer engagement.

Work Experience: Past, Present and Future brings together some of the most comprehensive evidence to date on how employer engagement shapes young people’s aspirations, confidence and employment outcomes. At a time when more than one million young people aged 16 to 24 are not in education, employment or training (NEET), as confirmed by the recent Alan Milburn review, the report highlights the important role employers can play in helping bridge the gap between education and the workplace.

Drawing on 47 international longitudinal studies, alongside new surveys of young adults, teachers and employers, the report found that young people who experience high levels of employer engagement before the age of 16 are significantly less likely to become NEET. Activities such as employer talks, workplace visits, career-related learning and work experience placements help young people better understand the opportunities available to them, raise their aspirations and develop the skills and confidence needed for future success.

The report places significant value on work experience placements. As policymakers explore ways to expand work experience opportunities nationally, the research emphasises the importance of strong partnerships, effective coordination and targeted support. The report proposes that work experience should be effective, helping young people understand their options and prepare for future employment; equitable, ensuring opportunities are accessible to all; and efficient, creating meaningful outcomes through strong collaboration between schools, employers and communities.

For the DHL UK Foundation, the report provides further evidence that programmes such as GoTeach are making a meaningful difference. By supporting Education and Employers and helping young people engage directly with the world of work, we are championing approaches that are effective, equitable and efficient. The findings reaffirm the value of our work and the importance of continuing to support young people as they prepare for their futures.

Read the full report, Work Experience: Past, Present and Future, on the Education and Employers website here to explore the findings and recommendations in more detail.

If you would like to get involved and support underserved young people, click here to submit your details and receive our live GoTeach sessions.