As national policy shifts toward a two‑week modern work experience guarantee, schools will play a central role in shaping how young people explore the world of work. This page brings together key information, useful documents, and support resources to help you plan confidently. understand the upcoming changes to work experience and access practical tools to prepare.

What’s Changing?

In the coming years every student will be entitled to two weeks’ worth of meaningful work experience across their secondary education. This includes:

Years 7–9: One week of work experience activities (visits, workshops, challenges, projects).

Years 10–11: One week of work experience placements.

These experiences must be meaningful, structured, inclusive, and aligned to the Equalex learning outcomes framework.

For full details, read the official guidance: 

Download the full preparation pack (PDF) 

Modern Work Experience: Hertfordshire Schools Preparation Pack

Use these resources to understand the changes and begin planning:

• Modern Work Experience Preparation Pack – comprehensive explanation of the new approach, Equalex, meaningful experiences, examples, and planning steps. 
• Equalex Learning Outcomes Framework – outlines progressive learning objectives for all work experience activities.
• Gatsby Benchmark 6 Guidance – updated definition of meaningful encounters.
• Modern Work Experience Guarantee – FAQs (Aug 2025) 

Tools for Schools

• Curriculum Mapping Tool – map current provision against Equalex. 
• Future Skills Questionnaire – identify student interests and match them to experiences. 

• Understand the new statutory expectations.
• Identify gaps in current provision.
• Map activities to Equalex.
• Build or expand employer networks.
• Create progressive work-related learning from Year 7 onward.
• Ensure disadvantaged or at‑risk students access high-quality experiences first.

We also work closely with Enterprise Coordinators to offer hands‑on support.

What Modern Work Experience Should Look Like

A modern approach:

• Starts early – builds experiences over multiple years.
• Is inclusive – ensuring equity of access.
• Is employer‑designed – co‑developed activities with real workplace relevance.
• Is meaningful – aligned to learning outcomes and built around interaction, reflection, and skill‑building.

For examples and inspiration, see Flexible Approaches to Work Experience in the full PDF.

Practical Steps for Schools

Start preparing by focusing on:

1. Reviewing your current careers provision against the updated Gatsby Benchmarks.
2. Mapping activities to the Equalex learning outcomes.
3. Identifying students who are likely to miss out and planning targeted support.
4. Working with your Enterprise Coordinator to develop local employer links.
5. Exploring flexible delivery models, including hybrid, virtual, or group activities.

Your school’s Enterprise Coordinator is your first point of contact for advice, resources, and support.

For direct guidance, you can also contact:

Erica Hodges – Modern Work Experience Lead

[email protected]

Stay Updated

HopInto is continuously developing new tools, templates, and resources to help schools implement modern work experience effectively.

Visit the main website: www.hopinto.co.uk

Together, we can ensure every young person experience high‑quality, meaningful opportunities that prepare them for their best next step.