National Careers Week

🚀 We’re excited to announce the launch of our brand new website! As part of National Work Experience Month July 2026, we’ve created a website to support schools, employers, students and partners in celebrating the power of work experience. 🌐 Visit us now: wexmonth.co.uk Explore: ✅ Campaign updates ✅ Resources & ideas ✅ Ways to get involved ✅ Events and opportunities ✅ Inspiring stories from across the sector TOGETHER. Let’s make July 2026 the biggest celebration of work experience yet! #NationalWEXMonth #WorkExperience #CareersEducation #SkillsForLife #EmployerEngagement #FutureTalent #Education #YouthOpportunities

𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗴𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆. As #WEXMonth comes to a close, all of us at National Careers Week want to celebrate the extraordinary impact of real-world learning. For young people, stepping into a workplace for the first time is transformative. It turns classroom concepts into tangible career paths, builds genuine workplace confidence, and reveals opportunities they might never have known existed. A huge thank you to every employer, business owner, and mentor who opened their doors, gave their time, and invested in the next generation this month. Your commitment directly shapes the future workforce. To every educator, careers adviser, and leader working behind the scenes to orchestrate these life-changing placements: thank you. Your dedication ensures every student gets a chance to shine. Work experience empowers young people to dream bigger, aim higher and step confidently into their futures. Let’s keep building those bridges every single day! 🚀 #WEXMonth #NationalCareersWeek #NCW #WorkExperience #FutureWorkforce #EarlyCareers #CareersEducation

This month in our ‘From #Education to #Employment’ video series we are sharing advice from young #professionals, #graduates, and #employers. Hear from our founder, @BenMasonGB 👇 To get access to these FREE #careerresources sign up using this link: info.myglobalbridge.com/free-careers-r…

Thank you @Tech_She_Can great partnership and impact.

WEX Tech Week 2026 - a first, and a milestone. 🎉 1,801 young people had their first look at a career in tech. 📅 5 days 🏫 37 schools & organisations 📍 11 regions & nations in the UK 💻 3,000+ log-ins Our first ever virtual work experience week connected students with real people working in tech. For most, it was the first time they'd heard from someone in the industry. Asked a question. Seen a job they didn't know existed. Thank you to our industry volunteers, and to @CareersWeek for helping us launch it as part of #WEXMonth This is just the beginning we are aiming for even more classrooms next year. 👉 If you want your school to get first access to our next work experience opportunities? Sign up to our newsletter: #newsletter" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">techshecan.org/tech-we-can#ne…

How’s your #WEXMonth going? Whether you’re a student stepping into your very first workplace, a school coordinating placements, or an employer hosting the next generation of talent—we want to hear how it’s shaping up! Work experience isn’t just a tick-box exercise it’s where abstract career ideas turn into real-world clarity. Stop guessing. Start knowing. Placements make a massive difference by: Building real-world confidence: Giving young people hands-on experience in authentic work environments. Providing career clarity: Helping students discover what genuinely excites them (and just as importantly, what doesn't). Bridging education and industry: Connecting classroom learning directly to the skills employers need today. Drop a comment below and let us know what WEX Month looks like in your school, college, or workplace what key takeaways or success stories have stood out for you so far? ⬇️ #WEXMonth #NationalCareersWeek #WorkExperience #CareersEducation #FutureSkills #YouthEmployability #NCW

MathsMakers: Meaningful Work Experience Through Peer Mentoring At MathsMakers, they believe the most meaningful work experience happens when young people are trusted with real responsibility. The student mentors, recruited from our partner schools, work alongside experienced maths teachers and tutors to support younger disadvantaged students, many of whom face significant barriers to learning. They are not observing from the sidelines. They are actively encouraging students, explaining mathematical concepts, building confidence and acting as positive role models. In doing so, they develop many of the skills employers are looking for, including communication, leadership, teamwork, problem solving, adaptability and empathy. One of the former mentors, Gent, recently reflected on how the experience shaped his future: "My time as a MathsMakers mentor was a highly rewarding experience that helped me develop skills which continue to benefit me both academically and professionally." Gent is now in his final year studying Economics (BSc) at Royal Holloway, University of London. Alongside his studies, he works as a tutor supporting both neurodiverse and non neurodiverse learners and serves as President of the Albanian Society. Looking back, he credits MathsMakers with giving him practical experience, confidence and transferable skills that he continues to use every day. The current mentor, Nicola, shared a similar reflection during a recent interview on ChalkHill Community Radio. She explained that mentoring has reinforced her own mathematical understanding while helping younger students gain confidence: "I treat my mentee more like a classmate than someone I'm teaching. We're comfortable with each other, and because I've had some of the same struggles, I understand how to explain things in a way that helps." That relationship is what makes peer mentoring so powerful. Younger students gain confidence from learning alongside someone closer to their own age, while mentors build the interpersonal and leadership skills that prepare them for university, employment and life beyond school. Over the past year, MathsMakers has expanded its mentoring programme from 50 to 95 student mentors, creating more opportunities for young people to gain meaningful work experience while making a lasting difference in their communities. For us, National Work Experience Month is a reminder that the best work experience does not just prepare young people for employment. It empowers them to contribute, grow and inspire others. When young people are given the opportunity to support others, everyone benefits. Younger students gain confidence and achieve more in maths, while mentors leave with the skills, experience and self belief to thrive in their own futures. Thanks to one of our NCW Ambassadors Karen Smith #WEXMonth #NationalWorkExperienceMonth #WorkExperience #StudentMentors #YouthLeadership #Education #SkillsForLife

Work experience placements are not always easy to find, so if you get the opportunity, you should make the most out of it while you are on placement and when it comes to applying for jobs, courses or training programmes. Let’s start by looking at the reasons why work experience can be so beneficial. This article will help you prepare for your placement, give you an idea of what to expect and provide you with advice to make it a success. It also explains how you can make the experience count in the future. This article focuses on traditional work experience placements lasting up to two weeks, but much also applies to gaining experience in other ways, such as through part-time or holiday jobs, volunteering, internships or virtual experience. @Morrisby Read the full article here: morrisby.com/blog/making-th… #WexMonth #WorkExperience

MathsMakers: Meaningful Work Experience Through Peer Mentoring At MathsMakers, we believe the most meaningful work experience happens when young people are trusted with real responsibility. Our student mentors, recruited from our partner schools, work alongside experienced maths teachers and tutors to support younger disadvantaged students, many of whom face significant barriers to learning. They are not observing from the sidelines. They are actively encouraging students, explaining mathematical concepts, building confidence and acting as positive role models. In doing so, they develop many of the skills employers are looking for, including communication, leadership, teamwork, problem solving, adaptability and empathy. One of our former mentors, Gent, recently reflected on how the experience shaped his future: "My time as a MathsMakers mentor was a highly rewarding experience that helped me develop skills which continue to benefit me both academically and professionally." Gent is now in his final year studying Economics (BSc) at Royal Holloway, University of London. Alongside his studies, he works as a tutor supporting both neurodiverse and non neurodiverse learners and serves as President of the Albanian Society. Looking back, he credits MathsMakers with giving him practical experience, confidence and transferable skills that he continues to use every day. Our current mentor, Nicola, shared a similar reflection during a recent interview on ChalkHill Community Radio. She explained that mentoring has reinforced her own mathematical understanding while helping younger students gain confidence: "I treat my mentee more like a classmate than someone I'm teaching. We're comfortable with each other, and because I've had some of the same struggles, I understand how to explain things in a way that helps." [Image opposite shows Nicola with Mr Numbervator (aka Isaac Anoom) and Helena Mullins (MathsMakers Executive Director)] That relationship is what makes peer mentoring so powerful. Younger students gain confidence from learning alongside someone closer to their own age, while mentors build the interpersonal and leadership skills that prepare them for university, employment and life beyond school. Over the past year, MathsMakers has expanded its mentoring programme from 50 to 95 student mentors, creating more opportunities for young people to gain meaningful work experience while making a lasting difference in their communities. For us, National Work Experience Month is a reminder that the best work experience does not just prepare young people for employment. It empowers them to contribute, grow and inspire others. When young people are given the opportunity to support others, everyone benefits. Younger students gain confidence and achieve more in maths, while mentors leave with the skills, experience and self belief to thrive in their own futures. #WEXMonth #NationalWorkExperienceMonth #WorkExperience #StudentMentors #YouthLeadership #Education #SkillsForLife

#Wexmonth in the news 🗞️

𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵! As we dive into National Work Experience Month this July, the energy across the education and business sectors is incredible. Work experience provides a pivotal moment that ignites ambition, builds confidence, and opens doors to worlds young people didn't even know existed. At National Careers Week, we believe that providing high-quality, inclusive work experience is one of the single most powerful tools we have to drive social mobility. It bridges the gap between the classroom and the workplace, empowering the next generation to see what is possible. A massive thank you to all the incredible schools, colleges, careers leads, and forward-thinking employers who are working tirelessly this month to create these life-changing opportunities. You aren't just hosting a student; you are nurturing future talent and building stronger communities. Let’s make this month a masterclass in giving young people the platform they deserve to step up, stand out, and discover their potential. wexmonth.co.uk #NCW2026 #WEXMonth #WorkExperience #CareersEducation #SocialMobility #InspireTheNextGen #FutureTalent

As Director of NCW, Stephen Logan had the privilege of chairing a vital panel discussion in partnership with the @GatsbyEd Charitable Foundation @CareerEnt Festival of Education, exploring how we break down barriers to ensure every young person has access to meaningful careers education and work experience. This conversation could not be more timely. With National Work Experience Month in full swing this July, and the Department for Education's newly updated statutory careers guidance fresh off the press, schools and employers are actively navigating what the new framework means for our young people. I was joined by a brilliant panel of experts who are actively shaping the future of education and industry: Lesley Thain (Head of Education Policy & Practice) Kathryn Marshall MBE MBE (Senior Manager Apprenticeships, Lloyds Banking Group) Robert Cremona (Project Officer, Gatsby Charitable Foundation) With schools currently preparing for the new Work Experience Guarantee from September 2026—introducing a week of work experience activities across Years 7–9 and placements in Years 10–11—our discussion focused heavily on how we make this delivery meaningful. There is no single "magic bullet" for systemic change, but our focus must be on three core principles: 🔹 Design for the margins to scale for all: The data shows that achieving the Gatsby Benchmarks dramatically reduces NEET figures, particularly for disadvantaged young people. If we target our careers strategies to empower those facing the greatest barriers, we build a robust framework that naturally scales to benefit every student. 🔹 Start early to demystify the workplace: The DfE's shift toward formalising workplace experiences in Years 7–9 is a game-changer. Introducing meaningful employer engagement early strips away the intimidation factor, building professional confidence long before students take their first steps into a physical workplace. 🔹 Embrace progress over perfection: Innovation requires vulnerability. Especially as we adapt to the new guidance and busy WEX periods, sometimes new approaches don't go exactly to plan—and that's okay. Cultivating a culture where senior leaders, careers leads, and employers learn, adapt, and refine is how we move the needle on social mobility. A massive thank you to my fellow panelists and to everyone who contributed to these crucial conversations. The energy today proved that when schools, policy makers, and employers collaborate, we can turn this new statutory guidance into life-changing equity for the next generation. You can read the full updates here: gatsby.org.uk/education/upda… #NationalCareersWeek #NCW2026 #NationalWEXMonth #WorkExperience #FestivalOfEducation #GatsbyBenchmarks #CareersGuidance #SocialMobility #FOE26

Post set 1 (X, Facebook, Instagram) Help your students explore where STEM could take them 🚀 With Neon, you can bring careers to life through real-world STEM experiences. From live chats with professionals to hands-on challenges that connect classroom learning to the wider world. 👩‍🔬 meet real STEM professionals 🌍 explore real-world problems 🧭 discover future pathways All experiences are free, quality-assured, and easy to run in your classroom or online. Perfect for inspiring students before the summer holidays. 👉 Explore now: neonfutures.org.uk/collection/end…

It's officially #WEXMonth! 🚀 It makes great business sense. When you invest just an hour, you aren't just giving back; you are actively mentoring and meeting your next great hire before they even graduate. A huge thank you to our incredible partners helping to drive this campaign forward: National Careers Week Edge Foundation, EmployabilityUK, Association of Colleges, and Association of Education Business Professionals What do you have planned for #WEXMonth? Let's share best practices and celebrate our placements all month long! 👇 #WEXMonth #CareersEducation #SocialMobility #WorkExperience #FutureTalent

Today marks the official start of July, which means #WEXMonth is finally here! Work experience isn't just a calendar fixture for schools it is a critical bridge for social mobility, ensuring our young people (especially our most vulnerable, SEND, and disadvantaged students) get a real, meaningful look into the world of work. But it’s also a massive win for employers as nick newman and Mark Boothby outline at the Sewell Group When you invest just a bit of time, you aren't just ticking a box you are actively shaping, mentoring, and meeting your next great hire before they even graduate. A massive thank you to our incredible partners helping to drive this forward: Edge Foundation, EmployabilityUK, Association of Colleges, and Association of Education Business Professionals Let’s make this July a massive success for students and businesses alike. Head over to the National Careers Week platform to download your posters, guides, and resources to get started. What do you have planned for #WEXMonth? Let's share best practices and celebrate our placements all month long! 👇 #WEXMonth #CareersEducation #SocialMobility #WorkExperience #FutureTalent #SchoolCulture

🚀 National #WEXMonth is almost here! Are you ready? July is officially Work Experience Month, and it is time to shine a spotlight on the incredible impact of meaningful placements for young people. Whether you are an educator shaping future careers or an employer looking to inspire the next generation, we want you involved! To make it as easy as possible to celebrate, champion, and shout about work experience, we’ve got a full suite of free resources ready for you to download. 📦 What’s in the toolkit? Downloadable Posters to display in schools, colleges, and workplaces. Posters nationalcareersweek.com/download/30215… Social Media Graphics to share your WEX success stories online. Socials nationalcareersweek.com/download/30220… Work experience is a massive driver for social mobility, giving young peopleespecially our most vulnerable and disadvantaged students a vital foot in the door and a taste of the real world. Let's work together to make this July unforgettable. 👇 Get Involved Today! Head over to our website to grab all of your free resources and start planning your campaign. Let’s make some noise for the future workforce! 🔗 wexmonth.co.uk #WEXMonth2026 #WorkExperience #CareersEducation #SocialMobility #FutureTalent #Apprenticeship

𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 Month starting this Wednesday. #WEXMonth #NCW2026 💡 Tips for students to make it count: Be curious: Ask questions about different roles within the organisation. Build habits: Show up on time and engage actively in the interview or group activity

𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 Month starting this Wednesday. As we kick off this exciting month, it’s time for students everywhere to dive in, ask questions, and make every single day count. This is your chance to step out of the classroom, explore different industries, and actively learn the habits that get you hired. Whether you are hosting a student, supporting from the sidelines, or embarking on your own placement this week, let’s make it an impactful one! 💡 Tips for students to make it count: Be curious: Ask questions about different roles within the organisation. Build habits: Show up on time, engage actively, and practice your workplace communication. Network: Connect with professionals and learn about their career journeys. How are you celebrating this week? We want to hear from you! Whether you are an employer showcasing the next generation of talent, a school tracking your students' success or a young person learning something new today: Share your photos 📸 Tag your partners 🤝 Use the hashtag #WEXMonth to join the national conversation! A huge thank you to all the employers, educators, and partners including Edge Foundation, EmployabilityUK, Association of Colleges, and Association of Education Business Professionals who make these invaluable opportunities possible. Let’s celebrate the power of hands-on learning! 👇 #WEXMonth #WorkExperience #CareerReady #FutureLeaders #NCW2026 #Employability

What, NO Skills? Rubbish! ❌ A lot of young people think they have absolutely no skills to offer. I’ve heard it a thousand times, and honestly? It’s complete rubbish! If you are just starting out in your career, stop looking for "corporate experience" and start looking at your daily life. Ask yourself: 🐶 Do you look after a pet, walk a dog, or feed an animal? (That’s responsibility, time management, and commitment). 🍳 Do you help out at home with chores, cooking, or shopping? (That’s teamwork, organisation, and problem-solving). 💰 Are you able to manage the little money you have to spend each month? (That’s budgeting and financial planning). 📆 Do you organize events, trips, or nights out for you and your mates? (That’s project management, communication, and leadership). If you answered YES to any of the above, YOU DO HAVE SKILLS! 🛠️ Stop selling yourself short. Take a step back, look at your day-to-day life, and think about the invaluable transferable skills you are using all the time, really. Inspired by nick newman. Check out more great advice on work experience here: bbc.co.uk/bitesize/artic… #WEXMonth

Managing work experience across multiple year groups, tracking placements, handling compliance, evidencing @GatsbyEd , it adds up quickly! Morrisby have a dedicated Work Experience module that handles the admin centrally, so careers leaders can focus on strategy and relationships. It sits within their wider careers advice and guidance platform, so placement tracking connects to the student journey rather than living in a separate system. FREE Posters morrisby.com/ncw morrisby.com/wex #WexMonth

With July just around the corner, National #WEXMonth is a great time for businesses to connect with the next generation. Offering work experience isn't just about giving back,it makes great business sense. It allows you to build a future talent pipeline, inspire young people, and make a real impact in your community with minimal time commitment. Whether you can offer a mentoring session, a site visit, or a full placement, your insight matters. 👉 Get involved and access free resources: wexmonth.co.uk 👉 Socials nationalcareersweek.com/download/30220… 👉 Posters nationalcareersweek.com/download/30215… #WEXMonth #NationalCareersWeek #WorkExperience #FutureTalent #Employability