Work experience means fewer drop outs
Research from Ofsted has shown that apprentices with work experience are more likely to succeed and make better progress in their apprenticeship. The report also revealed that apprenticeships led young people to recognise the importance of English and Maths when they used these skills in the context of their work. The report also found that those with work experience were likely to do better than those starting straight from school.
Whilst employers have recognised the benefits of work experience, they also warned that the number of students they could accept in a work placement is limited because the majority of the schools usually ask for placements. We also learned today that whilst a quarter of young people who start apprentices drop out; they are less likely to drop out if they have had previous work experience.
Managing Group Director of MiddletonMurray Angela Middleton, said that research findings are fully “justified”. Further arguing, “we see first hand the difference work experience makes to young people, the become more confident, more reliable and most importantly they more employable”
Ofsted’s findings come the week after deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg launched the youth contract which will create 250,000 work experience opportuities over the next three years.