The most essential point is to pay fairly. It’s not free labour – that’s for dinosaurs. Those working all day, contributing to support your business, deserve a fair wage. But beyond this simple moral argument, making all work experience opportunities paid allows you to access the most capable and passionate individuals who want to add value and do a great job for your business, not just those fortunate enough not to have bills to worry about. And that means providing a proper wage, not just covering expenses – although assistance with travel and/or temporary relocation costs will ensure the opportunity is accessible to everyone. 

Consider also how you recruit individuals for work experience. It is simply unfair that some people cannot prove themselves because they are not lucky enough to already know the right people. Stepping beyond personal contacts means that you can access the most dedicated, talented individuals possible to help your business thrive. 

The first step should always be to sit down with them on their first day – or ideally in advance of starting – and agree some of the things they will be doing during their work experience. They may already have a strong knowledge of your business and the screen sector, but could also require guidance around what different team members do and how this may align with their career goals. Remember, the individual on work experience is not just a general dogsbody. Give them meaningful tasks that will aid their development and show them the best of our industry. Focus on the tasks the individual wanted to do when they approached you about the opportunity. 

The specific nature of what a meaningful work experience looks like varies – it depends on what the business does, how big it is, and crucially what the person wants. But there are various things you should consider: 

• Provide adequate guidance and supervision. Don’t just leave them to get on with it. Offer them help and answer questions when they need it. And give them proper feedback so they know how to do better next time.  
   

• Give clarity on what a task involves. Remember that less experienced individuals may not be familiar with particular processes or industry jargon that your colleagues take for granted. It also helps if they can understand why a particular task needs doing and how it aligns with the wider project or business objectives. 
   

• Provide opportunities to meet and work with different people. They can understand more about the business by seeing what other people and different departments do. They may learn about something that’s a great fit for them. 
   

• Check-in regularly. A regular meeting with a manager or appropriate point of contact can help you understand how it is going, what else they would like to do, and any extra support they may require. 
   

• Access to a ‘buddy’. Having an assigned ‘buddy’ helps them settle in and understand what they are doing. They can get help and go to them with questions. Consider who the most appropriate buddy might be – someone very approachable and enthusiastic who is similar in age sounds perfect! 
   

• Make it truly inclusive. That means flexibility where possible around the length of a work experience placement and working hours, for example to fit around childcare or study. And make sure you stick to reasonable working hours, as agreed in advance. 
   

• A friendly, welcoming attitude goes a long way to helping them settle in and make the most of the opportunity. Take the time to explain what you are doing and why. And something like a pub lunch with colleagues can be a great way of welcoming them into the team! 

If kickstarting the career of someone passionate isn’t enough of an incentive, remember that it’s great for business too. Not only can it provide a much-needed extra pair of hands to busy staff members, but new recruits can alsoprovide an injection of fresh ideas and perspectives. Existing staff may relish the opportunity to train and line manage someone new. You may also find the perfect candidate for a more permanent role within your team! When work experience is done well, everyone benefits.