Since 2003 the National EBP Network has co-ordinated a contract for the DfES to support work experience practitioners. This contract covers:
Networking
Training
Materials and Resources
Networking
Through the DfES contract a National Support Group for Work Experience was established in 2003, which has met at least termly since to:
plan training
develop materials and support for organisers
share best practice
receive reports back from the regions.
The group is made up of representatives from each of the 9 regions of England plus a contract manager and Chair and reflects all the main work experience organisations, including EBPs, Connexions and Trident.
Each of the nine regional representatives in turn co-ordinates networking meetings in their own region.
Click on a region on the map for a list of WEX contacts
The nine regional representatives (2006)
Chair Charmian Roberts
Lincolnshire and Rutland EBP
East Midlands Ann-Marie Sutton
Connexions Northamptonshire
East Roberts Masters
London Sue Hunter
Greenwich EBP
North East Yvonne Catlin
Connexions Northumberland
North West John Pritchard
Liverpool Compact EBP
South East Geoff Stubbs
Bucks EBP
South West Dave Whaley
Somerset EBP
West Midlands Tony Pitchers
Wolverhampton EBP
Yorkshire & the Humber Janet Knowles
Bradford EBP
The National Support Group also links in to the National Consultative Group for Work Experience, which meets termly and discusses policy and strategy for work experience. This group includes representatives from LSC, DfES, CEI, Ofsted, and QCA.
Training
A range of training is run by representatives of the group for organisers new to work experience and those with slightly more experience. Places on these courses are subsidised by the DfES contract. Dates and details are circulated via the regional groups or can be obtained via the national office.
Representatives of the group also advise on the shape and content of the National Work Experience Conference, run each year in November by the Centre for Education and Industry (CEI)
Material and Resources
The National Support Group has developed the following materials
Enterprise Education and Work Experience (pdf format)
This flyer looks at the work experience process through its various stages and how links can be made to support enterprise education.
Work Experience and Work-Related Learning (pdf format)
This flyer demonstrates some of the many ways in which work experience can support students' work-related learning entitlement
A range of training materials available on CD Rom via the regional reps
Other publications to promote work experience are currently under development including models of work experience for employers and the use of subject links.
The National Group has also prepared some background information for employers covering perceived barriers to work experience.
Please note that this was prepared in 2005.
