All about Developing Experts’ Virtual Work Experience Programmes

In today’s world, where the workplace is rapidly evolving and new skill demands emerge every day, it’s really important that young people gain meaningful career experiences and the opportunity to learn about new skills. At Developing Experts, we’re proud to present our virtual work experience programmes, which are designed to bring high-quality, engaging employer-led activity into schools. This virtual work experience not only opens doors to new insights and skills, but also responds directly to what the DfE is asking of schools and colleges in the area of careers and work experience.

What the DfE is asking for 

The DfE’s statutory guidance for careers education and access for young people emphasises that every student should have multiple, meaningful experiences of workplaces by the age of 16, and at least one further such experience by age 18. In particular, the guidance states that, for those in Years 10-11, work experience placements should ideally be in-person, though the DfE acknowledges that in some circumstances hybrid or virtual approaches can be used to reduce barriers to access. Further, the DfE expects schools and colleges to plan for two weeks’ worth of work experience across key stages: one week of employer-led activities in Years 7–9 and one week of placements in Years 10–11. The rationale behind these policies is clear: high-quality careers guidance and work-experience opportunities improve young people’s engagement, broaden their horizons, reduce the risk of becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training) and support national productivity and economic growth. Moreover, guidance on virtual work placements affirms that remote or virtual formats can complement in-person experiences, particularly where geography, transport or special educational needs/disabilities (SEND) would otherwise create barriers. For schools and students who fit this criteria, Developing Experts’ virtual work experience programmes are particularly beneficial. 

What we’re doing at Developing Experts 

At Developing Experts, we recognise the ambitions and requirements set out by the DfE, and we’ve built our virtual work experience to help schools deliver on those expectations in a way that is scalable, inclusive and aligned with best practice. Our offering includes:

• Employer-led modules and interactive tasks delivered virtually, giving students opportunities to engage directly with real-world scenarios, professionals, careers challenges and sector insights.
• Structured learning outcomes tied to employability skills (such as teamwork, problem-solving and self-management) and designed to mirror the “meaningful experience of a workplace” definition in the DfE guidance (a clear purpose, task or challenge set by an employer or their agent).
• Flexibility to fit within a school’s Year 7-11 careers programme, helping meet the “one week of employer-led activities” and contribute to the “one week of placement” period (especially where traditional placement access is limited).
• Support for widening access and removing barriers: virtual delivery helps students who might otherwise miss out because of location, transport or other constraints. This ensures schools can engage a broader diversity of students.
• A certificate for every student who completes a programme, helping them to boost their CV and personal statement. 

Developing Experts’ virtual work experience programmes enables schools to proactively meet the DfE’s expectations and provide students with a meaningful, future-focused experience of the world of work. Our programmes are closely aligned to our science and geography resources, career-skill development and the national curriculum.

Whether you’re a school educator or an industry partner looking to sponsor one of our programmes, please visit www.developingexperts.com to learn more.