Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps his Department is taking to expand work experience opportunities for secondary school students from deprived communities.

Government published the ‘Careers Strategy: making the most of everyone’s skills and talents’ on 4 December 2017. The strategy sets out a long term plan to build a world class careers system that will help young people and adults choose the career that’s right for them.

All secondary schools will be expected to provide pupils with at least one meaningful interaction with businesses every year. To help schools do this, The Careers & Enterprise Company will expand their network of Enterprise Advisers – senior volunteers from business – so that by 2020 all secondary schools and colleges have access to an Enterprise Adviser.

To target more support on those who need it most, including those from deprived communities, The Careers & Enterprise Company will launch a new investment fund of £5 million. This will help disadvantaged pupils to get the additional support they need to prepare for work, including opportunities for mentoring and guidance.

The Careers & Enterprise Company will also triple the number of cornerstone employers to over 150 in the next two years. These cornerstone employers have made clear commitments to working with schools and colleges, including in Opportunity Areas. Through their business networks and supply chains, they are encouraging more businesses to get involved by becoming Enterprise Advisers or offering employer encounters.