Pictured: Gemma Larkin BMA left, Lalita Taylor, We Job Box second left, Franglin JayachandraSuja BBA right, Craig Jordan CLF second right.
A pioneering digital work experience (WEX) programme has been successfully rolled out across academies within the Cabot Learning Federation (CLF), engaging more than 100 Year 10 students aged 14–15 in a transformative careers initiative.
Students from Bristol Metropolitan Academy, Digitech Studio School, Bristol Brunel Academy, King’s Oak Academy, and Hanham Woods Academy participated in this innovative pilot, designed to raise aspirations at a pivotal stage in their educational journey.
The programme reflects CLF’s core HEART values, demonstrating high expectations, equity, resilience, and togetherness throughout. By removing barriers to participation through the provision of technology, facilitators, and transport, all students were able to fully engage and benefit from the experience.
Delivered in partnership with We Job Box, the programme combined five virtual days across a range of industry sectors with two in-person workshop days hosted by the Bristol Met.
Students attended interactive sessions, completed real-world activities, and took part in live Q&A discussions with leading industry professionals.
Participating organisations included the NHS, Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds Bank, Chelsea FC, BBC Media Operations, Spotify, London Stock Exchange Group, Deloitte, and Bosch, alongside innovators in sustainability, healthcare, robotics, and technology. Students also engaged with teams from BBC R&D, BBC WiSTEM, and BBC Radio One, and took part in interview practice sessions with Chelsea FC.
This initiative has helped students develop vital transferable skills including IT, communication, presentation, teamwork, creativity, and networking.
It also reinforced the importance of resilience and lifelong learning, encouraging students to view challenges as opportunities for growth.
The programme’s impact extended beyond the classroom. Students were inspired by exposure to a diverse range of professionals, embodying the idea that ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’. Their experiences will now help encourage younger students to actively engage with future work experience opportunities.
Further recognition of the programme came with attendance at the official launch of We Job Box at the House of Lords. Representatives from CLF engaged with national stakeholders and decision-makers committed to expanding access to work experience opportunities for young people and adults re-entering the workforce.
The CLF has been invited to remain part of the national working group, helping to shape and expand the pilot to benefit hundreds more students, including those within the trust.
Craig Jordan, CLF Careers Lead, said: “I have seen this programme grow and the students develop over the term. It has been a privilege to be part of the pilot, and I look forward to participating in future opportunities.
“Special thanks are extended to Lalita Taylor FRSA and the team at We Job Box, as well as careers leads and IT support staff across all participating schools. Particular recognition goes to Gemma Larkin, Careers and Pathways Lead at Bristol Metropolitan Academy, for her leadership and commitment in championing the programme.”
