Modern Work Experience at Prenton High School
Preparing Students for the World of Work
At Prenton High School, we are committed to ensuring that every student benefits from a progressive, inclusive and meaningful programme of Modern Work Experience (Modern WEX). Our approach is designed to broaden career aspirations, develop essential employability skills and prepare young people for the changing world of work.
Our ambition is to work towards the 50-hour Modern Work Experience entitlement by 2029, building on our established Year 10 work experience provision while introducing earlier, purposeful careers and workplace experiences throughout Key Stage 3.
We recognise that meaningful work experience is an important part of careers education, helping students connect their classroom learning with real-world employment opportunities. Through encounters with employers, practical workplace experiences and career-related activities, we aim to ensure every student develops the knowledge, confidence and skills needed to make informed decisions about their future.
An Inclusive and Flexible Approach to Work Experience
Our Modern Work Experience programme is aligned with the EqualEx framework and the updated Gatsby Benchmarks for Good Career Guidance, supporting a structured and progressive approach to careers education across Years 7 to 11.
This ensures students have opportunities to explore different careers and industries, engage with employers, develop essential employability skills and apply their learning in authentic workplace contexts.
Crucially, our approach recognises that meaningful work experience does not have to take place exclusively through traditional workplace placements. Employer-led projects, workplace encounters, virtual work experience and hybrid models can all contribute to a student’s wider experience of the workplace, provided they meet the relevant quality criteria.
By offering a variety of meaningful experiences, we aim to remove barriers to participation and ensure that every student, regardless of background, circumstances or personal connections, has equitable access to opportunities that broaden their horizons.
Building Skills, Confidence and Future Opportunities
Through our Modern Work Experience programme, students will be encouraged to explore their interests, recognise their strengths and develop transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, resilience and initiative.
Our ambition is to create a carefully sequenced programme of workplace experiences that builds progressively from Year 7 through to Year 11, helping students understand the range of careers, apprenticeships, further education and employment pathways available across Wirral and the Liverpool City Region.
At the heart of our approach is a commitment to equity, inclusion and entitlement. We believe that every young person deserves meaningful opportunities to experience the world of work, develop their aspirations and prepare confidently for life beyond Prenton.