Innovative Pilot: Centralised Work Experience Puts Everything In Place for Impact
- Case study
- Feb 19
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 18
Futures For All, The Hg Foundation and Evo Academy Partner to Offer a New Kind of Placement
At Futures For All, we’re working towards a fairer future where opportunity is equal and talent from all backgrounds can thrive. We know how powerful exposure to the world of work can be. We also know that the current work experience model doesn't work for everyone – almost half a million young people in the UK still miss out each year, with those from disadvantaged communities missing out the most. That’s why we teamed up with like-minded partners The Hg Foundation and Evo Academy to pilot a bold new approach to in-person, multi-day work experience.
“Work experience can be one of the most powerful turning points in a young person’s life. Not because it tells them exactly what job to do, but because it shows them what’s possible.”
James Shakespeare, Founder of Evo Academy
Introducing a New Scheme to Transform Work Experience
Different to the traditional face-to-face placement, where one student usually shadows an employer.
A high-quality Work Experience programme that connects employers and schools, with more than 100 students in one centralised location.
A meaningful introduction to the modern, digital world of work, where opportunity meets innovation, blending creativity and technology with entrepreneurial skills.
Over 4 weeks in 2025, groups of Year 10 students from Somerset schools stepped into an exciting work experience in collaboration with local employer and international brand Clarks, during their 200th anniversary year. Through real employer challenges and immersive learning, participants put entrepreneurial thinking into action and developed creative, digital and collaborative skills within a real-world context. Participating schools included Preston School, Bishop Fox’s School, Westfield Academy and The Castle School.
Across 5 days, young people worked alongside digital entrepreneurs to explore the world of product innovation, from design creations and solutions to branding and marketing, with real-world examples referenced and analysed. This included designing a brand complete with a name, logo, mission, digital marketing plan, ecommerce landing page and a pitch deck – and finished with a live presentation and pitch showcase.
The programme culminated in the launch of the students’ very own branded prototype shoes designed with AI and creativity. The shoes were judged by retired shoemaker and member of the Clark family, Ben Lovell – and turned into real products!
A Placement with Real Impact
Through hands-on, focused tasks working towards an end goal, and the support of passionate employers and industry experts, young people built essential, transferable skills for their future, developed confidence in their abilities and ambitions, and experienced real impact.
“I felt the confidence going through me. I was really nervous to present to lots of people I didn't know, but it was a good experience.”
Student*
“This experience has helped me so much – I’ve built confidence, improved my communication & learnt how to use AI. I know these skills will be useful in any job I do in the future.”
Student
“This is work experience with a capital W and capital E. These are good shoes and it's been great to see the students’ reactions to their designs.”
Ben Lovell* Participants also gained real-world insights into how technology is transforming the world of work in industries beyond the tech sector.
“It's creative, relevant, and gives our students a real sense of ownership and confidence. Many of them will have limited information about careers in digital before this week.”
Nina Allen, Careers Advisor, Preston School*
“GCSEs are important but what this gave them was so much more… a sense of confidence and belief in themselves that will take them much further than a piece of paper.”
Philippa Hunt, Careers Lead, The Castle School
“The change in confidence was incredible to see. They entered as children and left as young adults ready and raring to explore the world outside of school.”
James Truby, Careers Lead, Bishop Fox’s School
Read about this innovative placement on BBC News:
Why Centralised Work Experience Matters
Through a centralised model within one local area, the project removed barriers to access for young people who may otherwise have been excluded, helping make access to work experience fair. The programme enabled students to connect with a local employer and explore careers in their area, instilling local pride while developing skills that are valuable anywhere.
“The current work experience model simply doesn't work for everyone. We're piloting this model to show that with the right structure, collaboration, and support, we can give every young person, regardless of background, a meaningful introduction to the modern world of work.”
Nick Brook, CEO, Futures For All*
For employers, this new type of placement provided an opportunity to invest in the next generation and tap into local talent, supporting clear pathways for future workers as well as local economic growth.
Next Steps to Explore the Future of Work Experience
Following the success of the pilot, the centralised work experience programme is currently being extended. 60 more students have the opportunity to participate in Somerset during 2026, taking the total close to 200 young people. Meanwhile, plans are in place to expand into other regions and sectors.
“This is transformational, in-person work experience, at scale. For participants, a chance to develop new skills and confidence, and build useful networks. For the employer, in this case Clarks, the chance to turn the tap on their talent pipeline, early. Great that Futures For All are able to increase the numbers of young people we can support, this year, as we start to expand this innovative approach to work experience across the country.”
Nick Brook, CEO, Futures For All
At Futures For All, we’re investing in transformational experiences that open doors – and futures – for every young person. We’re proud to do this with partner organisations who share our vision and values, and excited about the impact of this programme as it grows.
Discover Work Experience for Yourself
Whether you’re keen to apply for work experience or provide some for young people, head to our Work Experience Finder to get started.
Our Talks Library is also available as a resource of insights into different sectors.
* Quote sources: BBC News
* Photography and videography: Vantage Media Productions & Ben Shakespeare