Let's make it work: The Podcast

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a vital role in helping young people discover the world of work through modern work experience. But how can educators build meaningful partnerships with local employers, and why should SMEs get involved? In this episode, Sian is joined by Ellis Potter, Head of Apprenticeships and Careers at The Priory Federation of Academies Trust, and Tom Palmer, Co-Founder and Director of Ocean City Media, to explore how strong partnerships between educators and SMEs can create authentic workplace experiences that build confidence, develop essential skills and help young people make informed choices about their futures. Together, they discuss the importance of clear communication, flexibility and early employer engagement, sharing practical advice on how schools and businesses can work together to strengthen future talent pipelines and deliver meaningful work experience for every young person. Useful resources: Insight briefing 1: Modern work experience pilots | The Careers and Enterprise Company equalex | CEC Resource Directory Employer Standards | CEC Corporate Web Workplace experiences | CEC Corporate Web Volunteer as an Enterprise Adviser | CEC Corporate Web Understanding how to embed progressive employer encounters and work experiences | CEC Resource Directory SME campaign videos Careers Impact system internal leadership review | CEC Resource Directory

Every young person deserves access to meaningful experiences that broaden horizons, raise aspirations and open doors to future opportunities. In this episode, Sian is joined by Patrice Etienne, Head of Inclusion Programmes at ThinkForward UK, and Tina Hamer, Executive Headteacher at The Rosewood School, to explore how modern work experience is transforming outcomes for young people in Alternative Provision. Together, they discuss how strategic careers education, meaningful employer encounters and relatable role models can build confidence, challenge misconceptions and support successful transitions into further education and employment. Drawing on their experiences, Patrice and Tina share real examples of how inclusive language, trusted relationships and opportunities help young people feel seen, supported and optimistic about their futures. Their conversation highlights the importance of creating environments where every young person can develop a sense of belonging, purpose and self-belief. Whether you're working in Alternative Provision, mainstream education, careers education or employer engagement, this episode offers practical insights and inspiring examples of what's possible when we intentionally design opportunities that enable all young people to thrive. Useful resources: Aspiring Pathways programme £8.5m work experience boost for young people furthest from the labour market | CEC Corporate Web ThinkForward's Asset-Based Guide | ThinkForward Future Leaders programme | ThinkForward - 4th paragraph for ‘Work Ready Capabilities’ Insight briefing 1: Modern work experience pilots | The Careers and Enterprise Company equalex | CEC Resource Directory Understanding how to embed progressive employer encounters and work experiences | CEC Resource Directory Careers Impact system internal leadership review | CEC Resource Directory

Modern work experience has the power to open doors for girls by increasing visibility, representation and access to careers they may never have previously considered. Sian is joined by Fiona Millar, Writer, Journalist, Education Campaigner & Non-Executive Director of CEC Isobel Wain-Heapy, Manufacturing Management Trainee, Ibstock PLC & CEC Youth Advisory Group member Kathryn Baddeley, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Cisco UK & Ireland They explore how meaningful workplace experiences and relatable role models can challenge stereotypes, build confidence, and broaden aspirations, particularly in traditionally male-dominated sectors. Together, the guests discuss the importance of intentional employer engagement, supportive environments, and early exposure in helping girls make informed choices about their futures and see ambitious career pathways as genuinely achievable. Useful resources: Youth Advisory Group | CEC Corporate Web Insight briefing 1: Modern work experience pilots | The Careers and Enterprise Company Investing in Digital Skills - Cisco equalex | CEC Resource Directory 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, 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 podcast@careersandenterprise.co.uk

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