Hundreds of students across the borough have been getting their first taste of working life, as a wide range of local employers open their doors through the council’s new work experience (WEX) programme.
To date, more than 1,200 students have gained valuable insight into the workplace and beginning to shape their future career aspirations.
Among the employers involved is Brunel University of London, which has been welcoming year 10 pupils onto campus as part of the scheme, giving young people an insight to potential careers they may wish to pursue.
The programme connects secondary school students with a wide range of organisations across multiple sectors, including higher education, health and social care, construction, hospitality, creative industries, retail, and many more.
Supporting young people
“Offering work experience opportunities has given us valuable insights and meaningful partnerships,” said Professor Geoff Rodgers, pro vice chancellor for enterprise and employment at Brunel.
“We chose to take part in the programme as part of our wider commitment to civic engagement, supporting local young people, widening aspirations, and helping them gain insight into higher education, careers, and university life.”
Building skills, confidence, and ambition
Through placements across a variety of sectors, students are developing key employability skills, including teamwork, communication, problem-solving, creativity, and resilience.
At Brunel, groups of around 20 students took part in structured activities across different teams, gaining a broad understanding of how a large organisation operates.
Professor Rodgers said the initiative marked a step forward in the university’s local engagement work.
“Whilst Brunel has previously supported outreach and schools’ engagement activities, this programme represented a more coordinated work experience model involving multiple teams across the university. Many students showed a noticeable increase in confidence, both in one-to-one interactions and group activities.”
Value for everyone
The programme also brings clear benefits to employers. Staff gain experience in mentoring young people, strengthening links with local schools, and contributing to the development of a future talent pipeline.
Professor Rodgers added: “We would absolutely encourage other organisations to consider offering work experience opportunities. They provide meaningful partnerships between education providers, employers, and local communities.”
Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, the council’s cabinet member for decent living incomes, said: “It’s fantastic to see such a wide range of local employers like Brunel opening their doors for young people from the borough to experience working life – and I encourage more local employers to take part too. Opportunities like this build confidence, raise aspirations, and equip young residents with the skills they need for working life.”
Shape your future workforce
The council is inviting more businesses to take part in the WEX programme and help inspire the next generation.
The WEX team manages all administration, safeguarding, and coordination, making it simple for your organisation.
If you have a business in the borough that could offer a young person valuable work experience, please get in touch at: SchoolsWorkExperience@ealing.gov.uk.
