Future Ready: Transforming Work Experience for Young People

The Future Ready Programme is a bold, inclusive initiative designed to transform work experience for socio-economically disadvantaged students across the West of England. Funded by JP Morgan and the Careers and Enterprise Company, the programme is led by the West of England Careers Hub in partnership with Bristol WORKS.

The initiative specifically targets young people with persistent absence and those receiving long-term Free School Meals. This cohort is least likely to access meaningful work experience, yet stands to benefit the most. Future Ready addresses this gap with a structured, progressive model that guarantees at least 10 days of high-quality work-related learning from Year 8 to Year 10.

With persistent absence and disengagement rising in the wake of COVID-19, early engagement has become essential. This programme offers a low-risk, high-impact solution that is ready to deliver, backed by proven models and strong regional partnerships. By joining Future Ready, your organisation becomes part of a system-wide movement to ensure every young person is equipped for their best next step, regardless of background.

Benefits for Employers

Employers who participate in the Future Ready Programme can deliver on social value commitments, strengthen their talent pipeline, and enhance their employer brand. Participating organisations also gain access to support and resources, and can join a regional Community of Practice that brings schools, partners, and employers together to help shape the future of careers engagement for young people.

How You Can Help

There are several ways employers can get involved with the programme, including offering work experience placements, hosting employer visits or school takeover days, providing mentoring or skills workshops, and co-designing inclusive experiences tailored to the needs of participating students.

Get in Touch

If you are interested in working with the Future Ready Programme, please contact Bristol WORKS at WORKS@bristol.gov.uk or reach out directly to Bristol WORKS Manager Julia Dixon-Barrow at Julia.dixon-barrow@bristol.gov.uk.