BLOG – Why Employers Must Open the Door to Work Experience
Creating opportunities for young people to gain practical experience in the workplace isn’t just a responsibility for government, education providers or employment support services. All employers have a role to play in helping people take their first steps into the workplace.
With nearly one million young people in the UK currently unemployed and competition for even entry-level roles becoming increasingly fierce, gaining meaningful work experience has never been more important. For many young people, the challenge isn’t a lack of ambition, it’s a lack of opportunity. Without practical experience, it can be difficult to build confidence, develop workplace skills and stand out in a highly competitive job market.
At Groundwork Greater Manchester, we believe employers can make a real difference by opening their doors and creating opportunities for people to learn, develop and gain valuable experience. Whether it’s a short work experience placement, volunteering opportunity, supported internship or employability programme, these experiences can have a life-changing impact.
We are proud to play our part by supporting young people, jobseekers and those looking to re-enter the labour market after time away from work. Every placement offers an opportunity to build confidence, gain new skills and better understand the world of work.
Here are a few examples of work placements we have recently facilitated:
Tim’s Work Placement
Tim met Groundwork on the Elevate Salford programme, where our team supported him with various training courses including H&S Level 1 in Construction and Banksman Training, as well as wider housing support and advice.
After being out of work for a year and experiencing a degree of social isolation, Tim was keen to undertake some work experience before applying for permanent roles. He felt this would help rebuild his confidence and ease his return to the workplace.
Tim also had concerns about travelling independently on public transport. Having previously relied on taxis whenever he needed to leave the house, he wanted an opportunity that would challenge him to step outside his comfort zone and try something new.
In April 2026, Tim began a two-week work experience placement with Groundwork’s landscaping team. During his placement he assisted with site clean-up activities, cleared scrap materials from the yard and helped remove old fence panels before installing new ones.
Within just a few days of being back in a working environment and around other people Tim began to feel more like himself again. Combined with overcoming his fear of using public transport, the experience helped him regain his confidence and self-belief.
Following the placement, Tim worked closely with his Employment Advisor to begin his journey back into permanent employment.
In August, he secured a role as a Warehouse Operative with Park Cakes, where he continues to thrive.
Daisy’s Work Placement
During her work experience at Groundwork, Daisy gained valuable insight into sustainability. As an A-level student studying Geography, Biology and Textiles with a strong interest in sustainability, the placement helped her explore potential future career paths while developing new knowledge and practical skills.
Throughout the week, Daisy experienced a wide variety of activities working with different Groundwork teams. She spent time at one of our nature sites helping with conservation tasks including vegetation management and the removal of invasive Himalayan balsam. She also learned about ecology, habitat management and biodiversity, witnessing dragonflies laying eggs in ponds created to support local wildlife.
On another day Daisy worked with Groundwork’s Working Wardrobe team, helping to sort donated interview clothing and preparing clothing packs for service users. By observing employment support sessions and assisting with interview preparation she gained a greater understanding of how Groundwork helps people build confidence and move into work.
Overall, the experience broadened Daisy’s understanding of sustainability careers, strengthened her confidence and inspired her to continue supporting environmental and community-focused initiatives in the future.
Diana’s Work Placement
Although she was doing well at college, 41 year-old Diana was looking for opportunities to improve her confidence. As English was not Diana’s first language and she often lacked confidence in professional settings.
In February 2026, Diana began volunteering with Groundwork as a Project Administration Assistant. She helped the team with online databases, tracking referrals and communicating with external partners. These tasks gave her valuable hands-on experience in a supportive setting and as such, her confidence grew. In particular, Diana began to feel more confident with her communication skills and more comfortable using English in the workplace through her engagment with clients and partner organisations.
Key to this success was the support from her Employment & Wellbeing Coach, and Supervisor during her work placement, Kirsty. Diana commented, “Massive thanks for your supportive words, Kirsty. They are very important for me and thanks for offering your help. It’s been a big difference in our life.”
The experience proved to be a stepping stone into employment for Diane, who successfully secured a six-month contract with AQA in April 2026 before she continues on to University.
The reality is that not every business can offer a young person a job, however many more could offer a few days or a week of valuable experience and insight. Collectively, these opportunities can make a significant difference to tackling youth unemployment and helping people move closer to sustainable employment.
So here’s a question for any employers reading this:
When was the last time your business took someone on for work experience?
If the answer is “not recently” or “never” now may be the perfect time to reconsider. You don’t need a formal programme to make an impact, just a bit of time and commitment. By providing an opportunity for someone to experience your workplace, meet your team and develop their skills can be incredibly valuable.
If you’re open to hosting a young person but aren’t sure where to start, simply speak to your local school, college or training provider. Across the country, educators and employment support providers are finding it increasingly difficult to secure quality work experience placements and will be delighted to work with employers who are keen to provide opportunities in different sectors. In addition, here at Groundwork Greater Manchester we’re looking for businesses of all sizes, from all sectors to join our Greater Manchester employers network. You can find out more and register your interest in becoming an employment partner via the button below:
Together, we can create more opportunities, strengthen our future workforce and ensure that more young people have the chance to gain the experience they need to succeed.