Evaluation approach

Devon, Plymouth & Torbay Careers Hub commissioned the Social Research Unit to conduct an evaluation of the Experiences of the Workplace Programme. The evaluation used a mixed methods approach. Quantitative data collected via online surveys with students, parents and careers leads, supplemented by qualitative data collected through focus groups and interviews with students, providers and careers leads, explored the effectiveness and impact of the workplace experience. Together, these provided an understanding of what worked and didn’t work and what could be improved.

Outcomes and impacts

Overall, students, career leads and providers were positive about the programme and felt that it provided workplace opportunities to students that might not otherwise have one. A few key benefits of the programme were highlighted by all parties that provided feedback. An increase in student confidence was something directly reported, both through student surveys as well as focus groups. Career leads and providers also echoed this, suggesting this was one of the main benefits of the programme. Another key benefit to the students was that they were able to experience a range of different workplace environments or fields, which stakeholders highlighted would be important when pursuing future careers. In addition to this, the group aspect of the programme was felt to be a particular strength, as it allowed students to feel more at ease when engaging with the programme, as there was less pressure on each individual.

From a logistical standpoint, both providers and career leads indicated that the programme was easy to navigate and communicate with. Providers highlighted that the programme was able to support them with recruitment of students and were flexible in their approach to each individual workplace experience. Career leads also highlighted the programmes flexibility and felt that it provided them with a new outlook on how they might deliver more innovating workplace experiences in the future.