Employer Encounters

All students in KS3 and KS4 access a minimum of 6 employer encounters and at KS4 further education encounters aimed at raising aspirations and supporting students to decide on their post-16 journey.

Employer encounters are a central part of our offer, giving students meaningful, real-world insight into the opportunities available to them beyond school. Many of the young people we support have had limited exposure to the workplace and often lack positive role models in employment. By organising regular visits to local businesses, trade workshops, and industry events, as well as inviting employers to deliver talks and skills sessions on-site, we help students understand the expectations, pathways, and possibilities in different careers. These encounters are tailored to align with our vocational training areas — such as construction, motor vehicle repair, plumbing, electrical engineering, and joinery — ensuring relevance and inspiration.

They also build vital employability skills, including communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, while allowing students to visualise a future where they can thrive. Crucially, these experiences break down barriers, widen horizons, and connect young people to networks that can support their progression into apprenticeships, further education, or employment.

Examples of Our Employer Encounters

Workplace Visit
A group of students visited Gripple, a leading Sheffield-based manufacturer, to learn about advanced engineering and product design. Many had never been inside a large-scale manufacturing facility before. They were able to tour the production lines, meet engineers, and speak to apprentices who had joined the company from non-traditional educational backgrounds.

CV and Interview Skills Workshop
Rachel from Fortem, a construction company working in Sheffield, delivered an interactive session on CV writing and interview skills for a group of students. Many participants had little previous experience of job applications or formal interviews, and some were unsure how to present their skills positively. Through practical exercises, role-play interviews, and one-to-one guidance, Rachel helped students understand how to structure a CV, highlight transferable skills, and build confidence for interviews. One student, who had struggled with self-esteem and communication, reported feeling “much more prepared and confident” to apply for apprenticeships. The session not only equipped students with practical employability skills but also provided inspiration and reassurance that pathways into work are achievable, helping them take their first concrete steps toward future employment or training.

Navy Activity Day
A group of students participated in a Navy activity day, which combined team-building exercises with a practical construction project. Working alongside naval personnel, students learned basic construction skills while collaborating to complete a small-scale build. The activity encouraged problem-solving, resilience, and communication, while providing hands-on experience that many had never encountered before. Students also gained insight into the structure, discipline, and career pathways within the Navy, broadening their understanding of vocational opportunities. One student, who had previously struggled with teamwork and confidence, described the experience as “fun but challenging” and felt proud of contributing to a finished project. The day not only enhanced practical skills but also built self-esteem, teamwork abilities, and motivation — showing students the tangible results of effort and collaboration in a real-world context.

Work Experience

Students in KS4 who have been with us at ELE for a minimum of a half term and have shown that they are work ready with a strong commitment to the trade they have chosen are able to take part in our work experience programme. They will work with Ian to establish which trade they are interested in and be matched to an appropriate work experience mentor. The aim is that students will have a minimum of 12 weeks work experience.

This process follows 4 stages:

1. Meeting with a work experience mentor to understand the role and the working day.

2. Half a day on site with Ian as support.

3. Full day on site with Ian as support. (with a gradual move away)

4. Weekly full days work experience with a follow up check-in at provision and with mentor and on site visits.

Early Life Enterprise Work Experience Placement FAQs

How are students monitored while in their work placements?

Weekly check-ins - All work experience students and employers have weekly check-ins. All pupils have time both at work placement and in provision. During their time in provision, they have a weekly check-in which both focuses on the skills and training they are receiving in placement but all their progress in sessions at provision towards qualifications. All work placement providers have a weekly phone call and email to ensure that they have the ability to raise any concerns and also to check on their opinions on how students are getting on.

Progress Reports - the email consists of a concise weekly observations report from employers on attendance, performance, and any concerns. This will also be used to feed into the students half termly progress report to be sent to schools and parents.

All placement providers are given a clear feedback mechanism system and point of contact in order to report any concerns to provision regarding behaviour, safeguarding or suitability to placement. This is a named key contact in provision.

How are suitable businesses identified, and placements sourced for the work placement element of the offer?

Business Network - Using our network of local businesses and industry partners. These business partners have already been utilised by SIC for some students and we are developing further networks to ensure a variety of sectors are available to students.

Selection Criteria- we choose businesses based on industry relevance, educational support, and safety. Additionally, we choose businesses who show a clear understanding of the needs that these students present and appropriate levels of patience and support to offer a valuable experience.

What due diligence is undertaken?

All work placements undergo business reviews, site evaluations, and DBS checks. This ensures that the businesses are reputable and trusted within the community. Additionally, all work placement mentors are DBS checked, and children barred list checked before students start placement.

We conduct site visits which are both scheduled and unscheduled visits to observe and address any issues. These occur half termly.

Insurance Coverage – We ensure that the appropriate level of employer liability and public liability insurance coverage is in place for all placement sites and keep records of this information.

How is the safety of pupils assured while at work placement sites?

Risk Assessment – We perform detailed risk assessments of the placement compliance with health and safety regulations and provide safety training. We ensure each site has a designated first aider in the event of injury and take the named contact for the person responsible for this and H&S. All students will be provided with the relevant PPE for their chosen work placement.

Work Experience Parental Consent/Guardian Forms are obtained before any students starts a placement.

Safeguarding - all providers are provided with the provision safeguarding policy and ‘quick reference guide’ for reporting concerns and being aware of behaviours of concern. Additionally, all providers have DBS and children barred background checks and have the contact details of the designated safeguarding officers. All providers are given safeguarding training from our safeguarding lead.

What are some examples of businesses in Sheffield that will/may provide work placements?

Seal of Quality - Engineering and manufacturing placements.

BDB Design Build Limited - Opportunities within construction placements.

Werkstatt - Auto-care tech placements.

New Phase Electrical - Electrical technician placements.

MOT & Diagnostic - Vehicle check-up and diagnosis placements.

Obrain Removals - Services for relocating goods placements.

Forum kitchen and bar - Hospitality.

We are laundry - Hairdressers.