Winner in the Public Sector Work Experience Provider Category

Learning and Skills Council

The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is responsible for funding and planning education and training for over 16-year-olds in England, and takes on two placement students each year for a period of 12 months.

The judges were impressed by the fact that all placement students are treated in the same way as full-time employees and are expected to be a full member of staff. They are managed by the same processes, such as personal objective setting and monitoring, undertaking the same duties as permanent staff including report writing, research and project management.

During the induction, work and training objectives are discussed and a structured training and development plan for the year is agreed on - this includes internal and external training courses.

Each student receives a six-month performance review, and an annual review at the end of the placement period. Feedback is based on agreed personal objectives which are set at the beginning of the placement and reviewed at the six month stage.

LSC is committed to continuing and expanding the work experience programme by encouraging other departments within the organisation as well as other LSC divisions across the country to get involved.

Key Success Factors.

• Excellent opportunities for training and development. Placement students are offered the same training as permanent employees.
• Placement students are expected to act as a full time employee, and are given real projects and responsibilities.
• Planning and objective setting allows for constructive and structured feedback

"“The student is given the support and opportunities to develop their skills. The only limitations are their own aspirations.”- Gareth Henry, Senior Research Officer, LSC Kent"