9 September 2025
What the New Modern Work Experience Standards Mean for the Minerals & Mining Industry
As the UK government signals a significant shift in how work experience will be delivered in schools, minerals and mining – which play a vital role both now and in the future, need to ensure that young people are aware of the significance that these industries have in shaping the way modern life operates, and the opportunities available to them in the sector.
The upcoming changes aim to make work experience more inclusive, flexible, and meaningful, preparing young people not only for employment but also for the realities and opportunities of working life.
At a recent Minerals Matter Ambassador Network Session, we hosted Abdul Bathin from The Careers & Enterprise Company who explained when the new guidance will come into effect, what the changes are and some examples of how businesses can run work experience programmes that work best for both the student and the business.
The Changing Landscape of Work Experience
Traditionally, work experience in schools has taken the form of a one-week block placement in Year 11. But under a new government ambition, work experience will be broadened and spread across several academic years—specifically from Year 7 to Year 10, totalling over 10 days. This could mean one-week placements, several short days across a year, or even immersive project-based experiences.
Though not yet formal policy, the government has indicated that this transformation will come into effect in early 2026, backed by updated statutory guidance and a refreshed emphasis on the Gatsby Benchmarks—particularly:
- Benchmark 6: Experiences of workplaces
- Benchmark 5: Encounters with employers and employees
Crucially, the focus is shifting from simply being present in a workplace to having “meaningful experiences”—ones that allow students to reflect, engage, and participate in activities with real purpose and relevance. Engaging with different aspects of the sector through tasks, working with different people and being able to share their opinions to gain different perspectives on the world of work.
What Does “Modern Work Experience” Mean?
According to the Careers & Enterprise Company, modern work experience should:
- Be interactive, purposeful and reflective
- Involve exposure to different sectors, business sizes, and job roles
- Offer opportunities for hands-on tasks and team interaction
- Be progressive across school years, building insight and confidence over time
- Support students in deciding their next steps through structured reflection
The EqualEx Framework helps visualise this shift, encouraging schools to co-design programmes that include learning outcomes and varied experiences—ensuring that students understand what they’ve learned, what they enjoyed, and what they might want to pursue further.
Why It Matters for the Minerals and Mining Industry
The minerals and mining sector is facing a skills challenge. As the UK transitions to a greener economy and as demand for critical minerals grows, the industry will need a new pipeline of talent—especially in engineering, environmental science, data analysis, and digital roles.
Yet, mining is often misunderstood or overlooked by young people and educators alike. Modern work experience provides a golden opportunity to:
- Demystify the sector and showcase the wide range of careers available—from geology to AI-driven mine automation
- Attract diverse young talent, particularly those who might not otherwise consider a future in mining
- Highlight the sector’s role in solving some of society’s biggest challenges, like the shift to net zero
- Build local connections with schools and communities near operations and sites
By participating in more flexible, shorter, and varied work experience models, even smaller firms or regional sites within the mining sector can engage meaningfully without the logistical challenges of week-long placements.
What Can Your Business Do Now?
Many businesses in our sector are already providing high quality work experience programmes, there are challenges to overcome but there is plenty of guidance to help. Here are some top tips for business in our sector, large and small:
- Engage with schools early
Work closely with schools and colleges to co-design meaningful programmes. Schools are actively looking to build wider networks of employer partners and are open to new models of delivery.
- Be creative with placements
Think beyond traditional placements, use support from other organisations to offer:
- Insight days
- Project-based tasks
- Site tours
- Virtual sessions with geologists, engineers, or sustainability leads
- Leverage the Enterprise Adviser Network
Enterprise Advisers and Careers Hubs are there to support the process, find your local hub, get in touch with us or use the Careers & Enterprise Company’s Employer Standards to guide planning and delivery.
- Clarify Health & Safety Requirements
There are common misconceptions about insurance and risk assessments for young people in the workplace. These are manageable and help is available to ensure compliance. New guidance will soon be coming out from the Careers & Enterprise Company on how to manage this within your business.
- Prepare Staff and Create Time
Encourage your teams to see this as a development opportunity. Giving time to host students, or even just a few hours for mentoring, can make a lasting impression on a young person.
- Collaborate
Provide joint experiences with other companies or individuals, engage with careers events organised by others to spread your time and use existing resources to help with the content of your offering.
Meaningful experiences matter, be bold!
As the work experience model evolves, so too must employer engagement. Be bold and leverage the exciting aspects of your business to help create meaningful experiences. For the minerals and mining industry, this is a strategic opportunity to influence how young people perceive the sector, attract talent, and help shape a future-ready workforce.
By getting involved now, and embracing flexibility, creativity and collaboration, mining companies can cement their role (no pun intended!) as both employers of choice and changemakers in a critical UK industry.
For more information on how businesses can provide a high standard of work experience watch this webinar from the Careers & Enterprise Company: https://youtu.be/vsxnzKt3cTc?si=AwgNTr2PTYImTzVE&t=1366