My understanding of ‘work inspiration’ didn’t begin in a policy meeting or a classroom — it began when I was working in an engineering organisation’s HR department. Year after year, we were inundated with requests for work experience placements and almost all came through internal networks: employees hoping to secure opportunities for their sons, daughters, nieces, and nephews. Access wasn’t equitable; it was based on who you knew, not what you were capable of.

Even when a request made it to HR, securing a placement was often a tough sell. Some departments felt too stretched to host a student or couldn’t see how bringing in a young person for a few days could benefit their work, let alone the wider industry. And yet, those same departments were struggling to recruit talent.

As HR professionals, we had to confront the uncomfortable truth: we were unintentionally reinforcing inequality and doing little to inspire the next generation into engineering.

The State of Work Experience in Northern Ireland

Across Northern Ireland, schools play a critical role in coordinating work experience and ensuring that placements are safe, well‑planned, and meet the necessary standards. Schools are responsible for overseeing the arrangements and making sure all the required checks and documentation are in place before a student starts.

Work experience is a key part of the post‑primary education journey, typically offered in Year 12 (age 15–16) or Years 13–14 (age 16–18), with most schools preferring a five‑day block placement, though some will consider shorter three‑ or four‑day options. Importantly, employers are not required to pay students on these placements.

Why work inspiration matters more than ever to young people

It builds confidence and career clarity. Young people gain valuable insight into workplace behaviours, teamwork, and communication. Seeing how adults collaborate and problem‑solve helps them understand what roles might suit them.

It develops essential employability skills. Exposure to real tasks – even small ones – helps students develop adaptability, initiative, and resilience.

It broadens career horizons. Many sectors struggle to attract new talent simply because young people don’t know these career paths exist. Structured Work Inspiration models help shine a light on roles across the entire engineering lifecycle, not just design or manufacturing.

It supports fairness and inclusion. Brokerage services – like those offered by Business in the Community – and employer‑school partnerships help level the playing field, making opportunities accessible to all students, not just those with the right connections.

Inspiration is an investment

Work Inspiration doesn’t just benefit students – it benefits employers too. By opening up the world of work to young people, employers help shape aspirations, address skills gaps, and improve social mobility, while strengthening their own talent pipelines and employer brand. Crucially, it allows businesses to move from passive observers of the skills challenge to active partners in building a more inclusive and resilient economy.

When employers shift from informal, unequal work experience models to structured, inspiring, and inclusive Work Inspiration programmes, everything changes — for students, for schools, and for Northern Ireland’s future economy.

Work Inspiration isn’t simply about showing young people what work looks like.
It’s about showing them what their future could look like — and equipping them with the confidence, skills, and networks to get there.

If you would like to have a chat about the options and process around offering work experience, please get in touch with me at Ruth.moore@bitcni.org.uk or check out the WI hub on our website Work Inspiration Hub – Business In The Community