Work Experience? Internships? Apprenticeships? Is this really also unpaid labour or could this add value to your business?

Today, unemployment is at its highest with the latest unemployment figure of almost a million 16-25 year olds known to be sat at home twiddling their thumbs. This clearly shows that young people are finding it harder and harder to find a job. Even those with a degree and a master’s degree struggle as ‘work experience’ is considered to be as valuable as going to University.
Generally, the term 'work experience' refers to a limited period of time that an individual spends with an organisation. This gives an opportunity to learn directly about the work that the company does and is also known as a placement or an internship. Today, all young people have to consider work experience. However, there are implications for this as to whether ‘work experience’ needs to be ‘paid work experience’?

National Minimum Wage - (£5.93)
There can be laws on being paid when it comes down to work experience. National minimum wage (NMW) legislation ensures that almost all workers in the UK who are over compulsory school leaving age are entitled to be paid at least the National Minimum Wage. 'Worker' has a legal definition and depends upon the existence of a contract of employment or a contract to personally perform work or services. These contracts can be written, oral or implied.
However, with high competition in gaining a job, working unpaid could be a thing of the future. With competition for graduate jobs at a high, employers are looking for more than just a good degree from their graduate recruits. Employers, particularly small and medium sized businesses, recruit for “real” positions and expect new graduates to be able to quickly adapt into their role. Employers frequently look for work experience as evidence of your skills, commitment and understanding of the career. Without experience, particularly in some sectors such as HR, media, advertising, etc, it is very difficult to compete and for many employers, it provides a route in.

The Governments Plans
Jackie Orme, Chief Executive at the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) expressed that young people have suffered in the recent recession. Research shows employers are reluctant to hire from groups where they feel basic job skills are lacking. Work experience is a perfect way to break the vicious circle of no experience and give young people an opportunity to develop and demonstrate the skills and commitment employers need.

The Benefits for Organisations
Some tips for businesses may include:
· Planning ahead – think about forthcoming projects or staff holidays where a young person could provide essential resource.
· Setting expectations – brief the young person in advance rather than once they arrive to save time in the long run
· Giving responsibility – give young people projects that help your business complete work you may not have been able to deliver.