More than 100 people from across Dorset businesses, including Dorset Council, came together this week to explore how they can play a bigger role in helping young people prepare for work, as national changes reshape how work experience is delivered in schools.

More than 100 people from across Dorset businesses, including Dorset Council, came together this week to explore how they can play a bigger role in helping young people prepare for work, as national changes reshape how work experience is delivered in schools.

The conference, held at The BattleLab at Dorset Innovation Park, looked at practical, flexible ways to support careers education and work experience for young people

It brought together large employers; small and medium‑sized businesses; the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector; education leaders and public sector partners.

The event was organised by Dorset Careers Hub, which connects employers with schools and colleges to improve careers provision across the whole of Dorset.

Schools have traditionally offered block work placements in year 10, but from September they will have a statutory requirement to introduce workplace experiences from Year 7 onwards. They will have to introduce a complementary, age-appropriate programme which will include workplace visits, employer‑led projects and short placements, all of which develop the skills required to enter the world of work.

Employer involvement is vital to make these experiences meaningful and to make sure there is enough variety of opportunity for young people in Dorset. The conference focused on helping employers, particularly small and medium‑sized businesses, understand how they can get involved in a number of different ways. Workshops covered making work experience meaningful, health and safety, safeguarding, and how to design inclusive placements, including for young people with special educational needs or disabilities.

Katie McManus, Deputy Head of Education, Learning & Development at Dorset County Hospital, said, “Opening our doors to the future workforce enables us to demystify healthcare as an industry and showcase the vast array of career opportunities and pathways that exist in the largest employer in Europe!

“We are always keen to welcome young people onto our programmes and are proud that so many choose to pursue working in healthcare as a result.”

A keynote address from The Careers and Enterprise Company highlighted national changes and the support available to employers, while a panel of Dorset employers shared real examples of how early, positive contact with young people can help build future skills, confidence and local talent pipelines.

Bridmet Ltd is a sheet metal contractor based in Bridport. They said: “Dorset Careers Hub strengthens our existing work with young people by connecting education and industry, helping to build a stronger and more sustainable talent pipeline.

“By working collaboratively, we can inspire future talent, develop employability skills, and create clearer pathways into local careers and industries”.

Employers attending the event were invited to make a simple pledge outlining how they could support young people, from offering site visits or talks to hosting short placements or projects. These pledges will form part of a growing Dorset work experience directory used by schools and careers leaders across the county.

Councillor Richard Biggs, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economic Growth and Strategic Assets, said: “Work experience has a real impact on young people’s confidence and future choices, but we really need local employers to come forward to make sure those opportunities are available.

“What came through strongly at this event is that you don’t have to be a large organisation to make a difference. Even small actions can open doors for young people.

“It doesn’t just benefit young people, it also benefits local businesses who gain a different perspective through the experiences of those on work experience.”

Dorset businesses interested in getting involved can find out more about flexible ways to support work experience and careers education through Dorset Careers Hub.

Dorset Careers Hub is funded by The Careers and Enterprise Company, Dorset Council and Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council with Dorset Council playing an active role as a large local employer, offering work experience opportunities across council services.