Work experience has been a part of school life since the early 1970's and as such has obviously changed dramatically since its launch. Originally it was seen as a programme for less academic students who would be best suited by a more work orientated curriculum (more a left over from the secondary modern system than a move towards vocational education)

The work experience programme gathered more pace and acceptance in the 1980's mainly due to the Technical and Vocational Initiative (TVEI). It is now seen as an integral part of the KS 4 curriculum and more and more schools are placing students on an enhanced/extended work experience programme. More and more employers and Government funded organisations i.e. LSC Education Business Partnerships are promoting work experience as a major part of any vocational curriculum. Indeed most, if not all, awarding bodies have qualifications which involve some form of work experience.

Schools in general now have programmes which include work preparation, work experience and then debriefing. This is to be applauded especially as Key Stage 4 curriculum time is so precious. Is it not possible to use this time more appropriately and in a more targeted manner, dealing with an area which is at the core of the working environment but which is only given a passing reference and that is Health and Safety?