Work experience: A systematic approach

Work experience is becoming increasingly accepted as a legitimate educational activity. There are however differences of opinion among educationalists concerning the purpose of the activity and the types of young people for whom it is of most value. There is also a great deal of uncertainty about the organisation of work experience schemes, particularly relating to insurance, trade unions and classroom preparation. This paper outlines the approach which the Trident Project has adopted, and the ways in which it is organising work experience for pupils in some of the schools and colleges of ten local education authorities.