At Springpod we know that helping young people access meaningful work takes teamwork. As specialists in work based learning experience we are proud to contribute our practical expertise as part of the widerMovement to Work community. Together with employers, youth organisations and education partners, we are committed to creating more accessible and impactful routes into employment for all.

Why Movement to Work matters

Movement to Work helps breakdown barriers that prevent young people from progressing into work. The MtW programmes connect those not in education, employment or training with quality opportunities that make a real difference. Since 2013 Movement to Work has helped deliver more than 225,000 placements with almost 90 percent of participants moving forward into jobs or further education. Their approach demonstrates the impact that collaboration can have across sectors.

Springpod’s role in sharing and shaping best practice

Springpod is proud to be a virtual work experience partner for Movement to Work. We bring practical on the ground knowledge from our work with both young people and employers across the UK. Our team is regularly involved in the sector’s key events. At the recent Movement to Work Awards event our COO Andy Dillow served as a panelist and also presented the Breakthrough Star of the Year award alongside our education outreach lead, Jo Bishop. Through these events we help share insight on what makes work based learning experiences high quality and accessible for all.

We also worked closely with Movement to Work on the launch video for the Work Experience Works campaign. The video highlights a range of best practice examples from across the network. These stories are designed to help other employers and partners build and improve their own programmes with resources shaped by real experiences and feedback.awar

Blended and virtual experiences with real impact

Springpod supports Movement to Work’s mission by helping employers create flexible digital and blended work based learning opportunities. For example Wagamama is both a Springpod client and a Movement to Work partner. We work with employers like Wagamama to deliver virtual tours and blended programmes that allow participants to explore different roles and build key employability skills. This flexible approach helps open doors for more young people and supports businesses in offering inclusive high impact experiences.

The nine principles of effective work experience

The Work Experience Works best practice guidance sets out nine principles created by the Movement to Work network. These are designed to help any employer or partner build better work based learning opportunities:

1. Design with purpose and inclusion
   
   
2. Set clear objectives and structured learning outcomes
   
   
3. Build strong partnerships
   
   
4. Provide mentorship and peer support
   
   
5. Support wellbeing
   
   
6. Integrate employability skills
   
   
7. Track impact and adapt
   
   
8. Celebrate achievements
   
   
9. Curate meaningful outcomes for every young person
   
   

You can find the full guidance and toolkit on the Movement to Work website. We are proud to have helped bring these principles to life through our work on the campaign and resources.

Insights from the webinar

We recently collaborated on a webinar where our Strategic Account Manager, Rosie, who is also a former teacher and brings excellent contextual insights direct from the classroom, hosted a conversation with sector leaders including Louise Quinney, COO at Movement to Work. The discussion explored the biggest challenges facing young people today, from mental health and financial pressures to the impact of the pandemic. The panel agreed that high quality progressive work based experiences offered early and tailored to individual needs are vital. The conversation also highlighted the importance of flexible mentoring and support and practical steps to include young people from all backgrounds.

You can watch the full webinar on demand to hear more insight and advice.

Working together for lasting impact

Springpod’s focus is on making work based learning accessible, practical and meaningful through digital and blended programmes that meet young people where they are. By partnering with Movement to Work and sharing what works we help more organisations build better experiences and create a system that supports every young person.

Looking forward as part of the movement

We are committed to ongoing collaboration and learning. The launch of the Work Experience Works guidance marks an important step forward for everyone in the sector. If your organisation is looking to enhance its work experience offer we encourage you to connect with Movement to Work, explore the toolkit and become part of this collective effort.

This is a shared mission and we are proud to contribute our expertise as part of the wider movement to unlock the potential of the next generation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Springpod’s role in the Movement to Work network?
Springpod is a virtual work experience expert and partner for Movement to Work. We support employers with guidance and partnership in building and delivering scalable work based learning and virtual careers education experiences.

How does Springpod help employers build high quality work based learning?
We provide digital and blended programmes, virtual tours, and career experiences that help employers design accessible and impactful opportunities for young people. Our practical resources and support are built around best practice and real feedback.

What are the benefits of blended and virtual work based learning?
Blended and virtual experiences help more young people access work based learning by removing barriers related to travel or location. They also help businesses offer flexible and inclusive experiences to a wider range of participants.

Can you give an example of a Springpod programme in partnership with employers?
Springpod works with employers such as Wagamama to deliver virtual and blended programmes where participants explore a range of roles and develop core employability skills through online and in person learning.

Where can I find resources to improve my organisation’s work experience offer?
Visit the Movement to Work website to access the full Work Experience Works best practice guidance and toolkit or reach out to Springpod for support with virtual work experience and careers education.