Improving Work Experience

Description

Work Experience (WEX) declined dramatically over the Covid period and is still very limited. Young people are often ill prepared for work experience and do not fully benefit from the opportunities. All 4 of EBP's key departments; Careers, Projects, Events and Work Experience, partner consistently and on a large-scale with Kent employers. EBP have developed numerous sessions, projects and initiatives. Work produced by EBP Kent within the areas of Projects, Work Experience and Events are subject to an evaluative process that links the results to the Gatsby Benchmarks framework. This is to not only adhere to Ofsted requirements and the evidence each school must produce, but also for improvement, efficacy and evolution Lot 1: Due to the ongoing impact of the pandemic and the increased demand on services, the Kent Reconnect Programme has identified Provision for NEETs/refugees post-16 for 'at risk' young people as a priority. In order to support and develop their economic wellbeing so they do not go on to develop behaviours or mental health conditions which prevent them from engaging with education, work, family and friends and achieving their potential, the work was supported by KCC's Cabinet in their decision as an area to continue. In December 2021 an opportunity to tender for an Improving WEX service was advertised, including a requirement for specific characteristics of bidders: Due to the short time scales involved, bidders will need to be well embedded in the Kent education and employment landscape. It is also likely that any bidders will already be delivering work or have off the shelf programmes that could be adapted to support this project to allow for the quickest possible mobilisation. Bidders should already have: • Excellent relationships with Kent schools and careers support networks. • Extensive employer networks to promote the project and generate work experience placements. • Good knowledge of the local economic and employment landscape. • An existing base in Kent. • Staff in place to deliver the project. There were just two responses to the tender opportunity. EBP Kent's response showed a full understanding of the elements required and included sufficient detail to score highly in evaluation and moderation.