Get Hyndburn Working
Employer Survey on Workplace Encounters
We are gathering views from Hyndburn businesses on how they feel about offering Workplace Encounters (e.g. short placements, work experience, taster days) as part of the ‘Get Hyndburn Working Campaign’.
Your feedback will help design future support, funding and services for employers and residents. The survey takes around 5 to 10 minutes to complete.
For each completed survey we will donate £2.00 to a local charity.
Please follow the link at the bottom of this page once you have read the information below explaining workplace encounters.
Workplace Encounter
A workplace encounter in Hyndburn can be facilitated through the Lancashire Skills Pledge, which provides a structured way for employers to support local residents in moving closer to the labour market. Through the Recruit Lancashire People Pledge and Help Young People Get Work Ready Pledge, employers are encouraged to explore a range of activities that can help individuals (including young people in schools and colleges) develop the experience, confidence, and insight needed to progress towards employment.
As part of this pledge, a dedicated Pledge Partner works directly with the employer, offering tailored advice and guidance on how to create meaningful and accessible opportunities. One of the key activities promoted through this approach is the Workplace Encounter.
A Workplace Encounter enables an employer to offer an individual the chance to spend time within their organisation and gain first-hand experience of a real working environment. This could take place over a set period, such as a few days or a short placement, and can be shaped to reflect the needs of both the employer and the individual. Through this experience, participants can observe workplace routines, learn about different roles, and take part in tasks that help build their skills and understanding of the sector.
Work Experience for young people in schools and colleges is changing; the ambition is for young people to have a greater understanding of workplaces in their local area and gain an insight into future roles. Work Experience can now include a group visit to a workplace, a project set by an employer, block work experience with clear learning objectives and longer T-Level Placements.
Importantly, employers can also provide a reference to individuals who successfully complete the encounter, giving them a valuable asset when applying for future roles. These opportunities play a crucial role in boosting confidence, improving employability, and helping people take positive steps towards entering or re‑entering the labour market.
Finally, this week the government has announced £1 billion in new funding, aimed at tackling rising youth unemployment and supporting young people aged 16–24 into work, training, or apprenticeships.
A new Youth Jobs Grant will give employers £3,000 for each young person aged 18–24 they hire who has:
- Been on Universal Credit, and
- Been looking for work for at least six months.