Category: Skills and workforce

Gatwick Airport’s second runway set for lift off after Court of Appeal ruling

Published 5 August 2026

Business news, Skills and workforce

Work on Gatwick Airport’s second runway will soon begin. It comes as the Court of Appeal rejected campaigners’ appeal against the decision to expand the UK’s second biggest airport.

Airport leaders claim the Northern Runway project will deliver significant business, tourism and trade benefits for the UK, including 14,000 new jobs and a £1 billion boost to the economy every year.

Plans for Gatwick Airport’s second runway were initially approved by government ministers last year.

They include moving the northern runway (currently used as a standby) 12 metres. This would allow the UK’s second busiest airport to have a second fully functioning runway.

But two local campaign groups took the decision to the Court of Appeal, claiming the climate impact was not properly assessed.

This week (4 August, 2026) the Court of Appeal dismissed the case giving Gatwick the green light to start work.

Gatwick reaction

Pierre-Hugues Schmit, Chief Executive of London Gatwick, said: “The Court of Appeal decision to comprehensively reject the legal challenges brought by the two campaign groups opposing London Gatwick’s Northern Runway Project, confirms, yet again, that the September 2025 decision by the Secretary of State for Transport to approve the Northern Runway Project was taken properly and lawfully.

“We are also very pleased that this ruling, from senior Court of Appeal Judges, brings to an end an eight-year planning and legal process which has carefully tested and scrutinised every aspect of our expansion plans on multiple occasions.

“This final ruling means that we can now press on with the important job of bringing this exciting project to life and move forward into the design and delivery phase.

“We would like to thank everyone who has supported our planning application through the various stages and will announce further details in due course.”

About the Gatwick Airport second runway plans

London Gatwick says bringing the Northern Runway into routine use is “one of the biggest growth opportunities for the UK today”.

The £2.2 billion project is privately financed and could serve up to 80 million passengers a year. And those at the airport claim it will drive growth. They claim it will inject an additional £1 billion into the UK economy every year, creating 14,000 jobs.

It also includes a comprehensive education, skills and business strategy. This will bring maximum benefits to local people and the Gatwick region.

Plans for bringing the northern runway into use were first consulted on in 2021.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced in February 2025 she was “minded to grant” the proposal, providing key considerations were met.

Construction summer school builds interest in future careers with Surrey students

Published 20 July 2026

Business news, Skills and workforce

Surrey students became property developers and construction workers for the week at a construction summer school. The hands-on work experience course for Year 10 students has been created by Wates hosted with Nescot in Epsom and part-funded by Surrey County Council.

Students from six schools across Surrey took part in the innovative event. The students, aged 14 and 15, spent a week exploring careers in construction and property.

They created plans for a housing development and presenting their ideas to industry professionals. They also experienced a current Wates Residential construction site using Nescot’s immersive virtual reality pod.

Plus they tried operating heavy machinery using advanced construction simulators, practiced carpentry skills building timber structures and developed teamwork and problem solving at an outdoor activity centre.

The scheme was run by development, building and property maintenance company Wates Group. It was part funded by Surrey County Council. Delivery partners include Nescot, Neilcott Construction, community interest company LMP Action and social enterprise Serious about Youth.

About the construction summer school

The programme saw employers, education, community organisations and local government working together to offer modern work experience to the next generation of local workforce.

Almost 40 students took part in an exciting, interactive week. There was the chance to try new things, step outside their comfort zones and build confidence.

They left with a better understanding of how their strengths and interests could translate into future roles. It also opened their eyes to careers they may not have previously considered.

The programme has been running since 2017. It supports students interested in apprenticeships and vocational courses beyond their GCSEs, rather than A levels.

By offering exposure to college life, varied career options and positive role models, it encourages, inspires, and broadens students’ horizons.

The impact of the course can be significant. Following last year’s programme, 90% of participants reported a stronger understanding of career opportunities in construction. Plus 85% said the industry sounded exciting and 72% felt their employability skills had improved.

Construction summer school – reaction

A summer school student said: “I was nervous on Monday but I’ve realised I can make friends…coming here has made me feel I’ve still got it.”

Julie Kapsalis, CEO and Principal at Nescot, said: “This scheme is incredible, bringing together industry experts and our state-of-the-art learning facilities to inspire young people who are often right at the beginning of thinking about a potential career. The programme has given them a glimpse at everything from property development and project management to construction work, architecture and engineering. I’m proud of what they achieved, and I hope they will go forward with new confidence as they consider their options for the future.”

Su Pickerill, Head of Social Value at Wates Group, said: “The summer programme is a great example of how we aim to be brilliant locally, working alongside our communities to create opportunities that truly make a difference. It’s been inspiring to see young people step beyond their comfort zones, and I hope this experience has helped unlock their potential.”

Helping young people across Surrey

The partnership working between Wates and Nescot is supported by Surrey County Council as part of a wider project to help young people into work.

Other programmes include Experience Days. These invite young people into the college for a day to provide meaningful experiences of college life and curriculum areas. They understand their options, feel supported, and become confident about coming to a college after their GCSEs.

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s cabinet member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth, said: “This investment highlights the opportunities available in one of Surrey’s growing sectors and demonstrates Surrey’s commitment to innovative pathways into further education and employment. By working in partnership with employers, training providers and colleges, we can help more young people develop the skills they need, support business growth, and create positive outcomes for Surrey’s economy while ensuring no one is left behind.”

Neilcott Construction supported the practical element of the programme. This includes arranging skilled carpenters to guide students through reading drawings, using tools safely and constructing the timber towers.

Nescot offers courses on a range of construction trades including highways maintenance, brickwork, carpentry and joinery, plastering, plumbing and electrical installation.

It also offers a wide range of other courses for school leavers and adults. This includes motor vehicles, animal care, hair and beauty, computing and IT, performing arts, childcare and health and social care.

Discover more about studying at Nescot by calling 020 8394 3038, visiting www.nescot.ac.uk or emailing adviceteam@nescot.ac.uk.

Interested in working with training providers to boost Surrey’s future workforce? Get in touch via our Contact Us form.

A man in a black suit stands talking to young people wearing high vis at a further education college in Surrey

Surrey Local Skills Improvement Plan 2026-2029 launched

Published 16 July 2026

Business news, Skills and workforce

Surrey’s new employer-led Surrey Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) for 2026-2029 is now live. It sets out how local training equips people with skills needed by local employers.

The Surrey LSIP has been developed by Surrey Chambers of Commerce, with support from Surrey County Council and employers across the county.

It is one of 39 Local Skills Improvement Plans created across the country to ensure local training equips people with skills needed by local employers.

The aim of the updated employer-led strategy is to address the county’s key skills challenges and support long-term economic growth.

Download the Surrey Local Skills Improvement Plan.

What is the Surrey Local Skills Improvement Plan?

Surrey first developed a Local Skills Improvement Plan in 2023. The updated LSIP provides detailed insight and analysis into what priority economic sectors and jobs are for each given area.

It’s been developed through extensive employer engagement, research and stakeholder consultation. The LSIP also identifies the skills priorities that matter most to local businesses and outlines practical actions to help build a workforce equipped for the future.

The Surrey LSIP focuses on six priority areas that reflect the county’s current and future workforce needs. These include:

  • manufacturing and engineering
  • construction and the green economy
  • health and social care
  • digital technologies
  • employability skills
  • employer engagement

Together, these priorities will help ensure education and training provision remains aligned with the needs of employers. It also supports inclusive economic growth across Surrey.

The plan highlights several challenges facing the county, including skills shortages, recruitment difficulties, workforce retention and changing technological demands.

It also recognises Surrey’s strengths, including its position as a leading UK hub for Artificial Intelligence, and the opportunities this presents for businesses and learners.

What will

The launch of the LSIP marks the beginning of the delivery phase, with a range of employer-led initiatives planned over the next three years. These include:

  • encouraging more women into engineering through targeted role model programmes
  • strengthening the construction skills pipeline through a Supply Chain and Capability Exchange programme
  • delivering ‘Recruit to Retain’ leadership training for health and social care managers
  • piloting digital capability assessments for businesses
  • developing a core employability skills programme to better prepare learners for the workplace.

The Surrey LSIP will continue to evolve through collaboration with employers, education and training providers, local authorities and wider stakeholders.

A spokesman for Surrey Chambers said: “By working together, partners will help ensure Surrey develops a skilled, adaptable and resilient workforce capable of meeting the changing needs of its economy.

“Employers and stakeholders are encouraged to engage with the Surrey LSIP throughout its delivery by sharing insights, participating in sector discussions and helping shape future skills provision.

“Together, these partnerships will support businesses to grow, create new opportunities for residents and strengthen Surrey’s economy for years to come.”

Phil Smith, Chair of Skills England, said: “The Local Skills Improvement Plans give areas a clear roadmap that will help create better skills for better jobs all across the country.

!These LSIPs, alongside the emerging sector jobs plans and the other stakeholder dialogues we are having, are helping us build a much better picture of the skills needs throughout the nation. Skills England is excited to play a key role in that journey, so that employers and learners can benefit in local communities.”

Find out more about the Surrey Local Skills Improvement Plan 2026-2029 by emailing LSIP@surrey-chambers.co.uk.

Five people in suits sit in chairs as part of a panel discussion. Behind them are banners for the Surrey Local Skills Improvement Plan and STEP Surrey.

Deadline extended for Adult Skills provision funding in Surrey

Published 22 June 2026

Skills and workforce

The competitive grant process for delivering Adult Skills Fund (ASF) provision in Surrey for the 2026 to 2027 academic year is now open and providers are invited to apply. Providers can also apply for Free Courses for Jobs (FCFJ) funding through the same process, which includes ringfenced funding for Construction and Engineering.

To give all interested providers the opportunity to apply, the deadline has now been extended to Wednesday 8 July 2026. The opportunity is open to all adult skills providers, with no geographical restrictions.

What the funding supports

Adult Skills Fund (ASF):

  • Supports adults aged 19 and over
  • Focuses on helping people gain skills for sustained employment or further learning with a view to gaining employment afterwards
  • Aims to address skills shortages and increase local productivity
  • Allows for tailored training based on individual needs

Free Courses for Jobs (FCFJ):

  • Funds free Level 3 qualifications (equivalent to A levels)
  • Available to adults without a Level 3 qualification, or those who are unemployed or earning below the regional low-wage threshold
  • Includes a limited number of Level 2 qualifications in construction, engineering and manufacturing

Further information about FCFJ can be found here.

Why this matters

Devolved funding enables Surrey County Council to align skills provision with local economic priorities, while supporting key groups and sectors. This will benefit Surrey residents and employers and will also contribute to economic growth across the county.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via the competitive grant award application page.

All applicants should take care to read the specification document and complete a proposed delivery plan. For more information and answers to any questions not covered here please contact economy.growth@surreycc.gov.uk or get in touch via our Contact Us form.

Good luck with your application.

A man in a black suit, white shirt and tie stands in front of two promotional banners for STEP Surrey | Business Surrey

From classroom to career: how Teacher Encounters are shaping Surrey’s future workforce

Published 8 June 2026

Skills and workforce

Building stronger connections between education and business remains a key priority across Surrey and the Teacher Encounters programme continues to play an important role in bringing this to life. Returning for 2026, the initiative offers teachers the opportunity to step out of the classroom and into local workplaces, gaining first-hand insight into the industries their students may one day join.

What are Teacher Encounters?

Teacher Encounters are immersive, employer-led experiences designed to help educators better understand the skills, behaviours and pathways that are most valued in today’s workforce. By spending time within organisations, teachers can see how subjects are applied in real-world contexts, explore emerging careers and gather practical examples they can take back into their lessons.
This year’s programme has already seen strong engagement, with 11 employers involved and over 100 teachers registered.

Ringway and M Group got the 2026 series off to a great start with a highly insightful Teacher Encounter in February, offering early opportunities for educators to explore careers in the construction and highways industry. The programme continues in June 2026, with a diverse range of Surrey-based organisations opening their doors: RSM, CGI, Cambertronics, RHS Wisley, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Supermassive Games, Macro and the Animal & Plant Health Agency.

A typical experience

Each encounter is carefully designed to showcase the breadth of career pathways within an organisation, from early careers and apprenticeships to experienced leadership roles. Teachers hear directly from employees at different stages of their journeys, helping to demystify routes into employment and highlight the importance of both technical knowledge and transferable skills.
Feedback from participants continues to highlight the value of these experiences. Following a recent Teacher Encounter at RSM, one attendee shared:

“Just a note to thank you both for putting on such a great day. Events such as these are invaluable in ensuring what we teach in class not only enables students to secure their academic qualifications but is done in a way to equip them with the life and work skills that today’s employers are looking for. A great reminder of the need to balance educational attainment with well-developed interpersonal / soft skills. Also hearing directly from your early career employees, alongside tenured leaders was incredibly insightful. Fantastic experience, thank you to all who gave up their time to accommodate us.”

While another teacher who attended the encounter at Cambertronics said:

“I really enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about your company and the work you do. It was a valuable and insightful experience. The knowledge and insights I gained will be very useful, and I look forward to sharing them with my students and colleagues to help inspire and inform them.“

This feedback reflects a consistent theme: Teacher Encounters not only enhance teachers’ understanding of industry but also support more meaningful careers guidance for students. By bridging the gap between education and employment, the programme helps ensure young people are better prepared for the opportunities and challenges ahead.

With continued collaboration between schools and employers, Teacher Encounters are helping to build a more connected, informed and future-ready workforce across Surrey.

Find out more

More information about the Teacher Encounters programme can be found on the Surrey County Council website.

Surrey employers who would like to get involved in the 2026 Teacher Encounters programme should contact careers.hub@surreycc.gov.uk.

For updates on the Teacher Encounters programme and other Surrey Careers Hub activity, please follow them on LinkedIn.

Hundreds of young people with SEND explore their futures at Surrey’s 2026 Transitions Fair

Published 13 May 2026

Skills and workforce

Hundreds of young people with additional needs got a taste for their future at Surrey County Council’s 2026 Transitions Fair.

More than 300 young people attended the Surrey County Council-hosted event which brought together over 30 exhibitors and 19 schools from across the county.
This event enabled young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to understand the options available for their transition from education to employment, further education, training or social settings.

Now in its second year, the fair at the council’s Woodhatch Place HQ in Reigate attracted enthusiastic participation from attendees aged 14 to 25.

It was organised by Surrey Careers Hub, which connects schools and colleges with employers to inspire the county’s future workforce.

Tim Oliver, Leader of Surrey County Council, shared his positive reflections on the success of the fair:
“The Transitions Fair is one element of Surrey’s education, skills and training offer for young people. Surrey County Council is committed to ensuring that every young person in Surrey, regardless of their educational needs, has access to the resources and support that will help them succeed, with no one left behind.

“It is inspiring to see so many young people actively exploring the range of options open to them for their future. I’m sure those attending left feeling inspired and enthused about their futures.”

What the fair covered

The event’s 30-plus exhibitors included colleges and educators, employers, employment support organisations, apprenticeship providers and social settings. All were dedicated to offering valuable guidance and information to help attendees make informed choices about their next steps.

A bespoke film featuring representatives from Surrey County Council’s facilities management contract was commissioned to demonstrate to students the people and the jobs that keep Woodhatch Place a safe, welcoming and accessible working environment. Students were inspired to hear about the types of roles available, learning how staff came to be employed in those roles and how they are continuing to enjoy their roles and grow their careers.

Before the fair started, exhibitors were introduced to Understand Us, who use first-hand lived experience to help organisations improve their services for both customers and employees who live with a learning disability.

One enthused student from The Park School commented: “Thank you so much. I loved it. I know so much more now about what I can do after school.”

And a teacher from Oxted School said “A fantastic opportunity for students who needed additional support and guidance about their future with some amazing exhibitors at hand, who had time to explain their products in a very patient and easy to understand manner.”

Exhibitors also found the event to be highly successful and worthwhile attending, with one representative from Activate Learning commenting: “Events like this play a vital role in ensuring career fairs are accessible to everyone, offering meaningful interactions and opportunities that are achievable for attendees.”

To find out more about Surrey Careers Hub, and about the skills, training and employment support that Surrey County Council can provide, visit STEP Surrey, our skills, training and employment portal today at: www.STEPSurrey.co.uk

About Surrey Careers Hub

Surrey Careers Hub plays a vital role in connecting education with employment, helping all young people, including those with additional needs and disabilities, to identify and progress to their best next step. At the heart of the Careers Hub is the belief that every young person deserves the strongest possible start to adult life, with the freedom to choose their own path and achieve their full potential.

The Surrey Careers Hub sits within Surrey County Council’s Economy and Growth Team. Working in partnership with The Careers and Enterprise Company, it collaborates with careers leaders, educators, employers and training providers to inspire and prepare young people through high-quality, modern careers education fit for the 21st century.

List of exhibitors:

Achieve Together
Activate Learning
Adult Services
Ambitious College
Art Venture
Brooklands College
Choice Care Group
Consensus Support
Skills, Training & Employment Portal – STEP Surrey
County Care
Derwen College
Dramatize
Early Years Workforce Development
Edge Disability
Family Information Service
The Grange
Halow Project
Jigsaw Plus
Linkable
MIT Skills
Nescot
nviro
Orchard Hill College
Parity
Professional Training Solutions
Ringway
SEND Advice Surrey
Skills Bootcamps
Sunnybank Trust
Surrey Choices
Surrey Youth Voice
Voluntary Action South-East
Voyage Care

Construction-focused Skills Bootcamps applications now open for Surrey employers and training providers

Published 17 April 2026

Funding and grants, Skills and workforce

Are you a Surrey construction-based employer struggling to recruit? Does your team have skills gaps you’d like to fill? Apply today for Skills Bootcamps funding to equip your business with the talent and know-how to thrive. 

Surrey employers and training providers are invited to submit applications for construction skills-based Skills Bootcamps delivery in 2026/27. These government-funded courses can upskill your team in a just a few weeks.

Skills Bootcamps are free, flexible courses of up to 16 weeks for anyone aged 19+ to help them enter employment, upskill or change career. 

Surrey County Council has a funding pot of £1.2 million to deliver Skills Bootcamps courses across Surrey during 2026/27. 

We’re looking for innovative ideas from employers and training providers in the construction sector to design and deliver courses to equip our Surrey residents with the skills to grow our future economy. 

Think Skills Bootcamps may be a good fit to help you upskill your team or address your workforce needs? Get in touch to find out more by emailing skillsbootcamps@surreycc.gov.uk. A member of the team will then arrange a one-to-one discussion to talk through your challenges and objectives and help you to see if Skills Bootcamps could be a good fit for your business. 

Or if you’re ready to apply now, just scroll down to find out more about the process.

Skills Bootcamps 2026/27 – who can apply  

Applications can be made by:  

  • Independent training providers  
  • Further education (FE) colleges  
  • Employers  

As an employer, you already have all the relevant information and background understanding you’ll need to put together a robust proposal. This includes demonstrating creative design and an understanding of local employers’ needs relevant to the construction industry. 

If you’d like to get involved, but don’t have experience of skills training?  

You can apply in partnership with another organisation. They would need to be able to evidence proven experience and strong local networks to design and deliver innovative courses shaped around the needs of jobseekers and employers.  

Contact the Business Surrey team to discuss this further.

Skills Bootcamps applications

We are now accepting construction skills-based Skills Bootcamps applications from interested parties under a competitive grant award process. Successful applicants will form part of Wave 7 of the programme, with courses completing by the end of March 2027. 

Future applications will be accepted for other courses from late May to early June.

Applications will need to evidence demand, strategic fit and innovation, setting out: 

  • Access to employment post training (preference will be given to bids written in partnership with employers that show clear progression into job roles) 
  • How you will meet demand in the local economy, using evidence such as Surrey Economic Growth Strategy and Labour Market Information 
  • Who your target learners are and how you will ensure positive outcomes
  • Your previous experience delivering employer-led training 
  • Previous collaboration with local employers and commitment from current employers to support delivery and provide employment opportunities
  • How you will deliver the programme 

We actively encourage joint applications from training providers and employers. When applying, please be sure to clearly evidence how the course will fill open vacancies.

We are keen to see applications focused on helping economically inactive people to enter employment.

The first round of applications is open until 29th May. We will assess applications on a rolling basis for suitability. But we do advise applicants to submit entries as soon as possible. This is so courses can be delivered before the end of March 2027. 

Apply now by completing the application form .

Not sure where to start? Looking for more guidance? Get in touch via skillsbootcamps@surreycc.gov.uk 

Skills Bootcamps _ wave 7, tractor in action

Why offering work experience is good for business

Published 19 March 2026

Skills and workforce

Opening your doors to students isn’t just good for young people – it’s good for your business too.

By welcoming students into your workplace, you help bridge the gap between education and employment and inspire the next generation. But it can also deliver real business returns.

Employers who offer work experience are 77% more likely to report business benefits such as a stronger talent pipeline. For those offering a wide range of experiences – such as job shadowing or T-Levels, that figure rises to 90% (The Careers & Enterprise Company. The Business Case for Work Experience: Employer Standards 2024/25).

With recent changes to work experience guidelines, where students are expected to have workplace experiences throughout their secondary school years, there are now many flexible options on what you could offer. Whether it’s a half-day visit, a hands-on project or part-time job shadowing over a number of weeks, there has never been a better time to get involved.

What you gain by offering work experience

Engaging with young people through work experience gives you the chance to showcase your sector and career pathways to the next generation. You’ll be building meaningful relationships with local schools and colleges, contributing to developing future talent in your industry and influencing curriculum relevance – helping educators understand what employers actually need.

Why this matters for your business

Access to future talent

Early engagement helps students who may never have considered your industry to see your sector as a viable career path. The students you host today could be your apprentices, graduates or employees tomorrow.

Shape the workforce

You have a direct opportunity to influence what skills young people develop – and to help them understand what employers actually need from day one.

Flexibility reduces barriers

Work experience no longer has to mean a full week’s placement. Shorter visits, project briefs, workplace tours, or placements spread across the year make it far more manageable – especially for smaller businesses or those with fluctuating capacity.

Supporting local communities

Hosting students – particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds – helps young people access opportunities beyond their immediate networks. The impact can be profound and lasting.

Ready to get involved?

Whether you can offer a two-hour visit, a project brief or a longer placement, there’s a format that works for your business. If you want to explore providing work experience, Surrey Careers Hub is here to support you.

Complete our form to express your interest, and we’ll arrange a short consultation to understand your business, capacity and what would work best for you. Together, we’ll help you design a programme that suits your circumstances and industry.

Through our work experience matching platform CareerThread, you can connect with schools and students whose interests align with your sector.

Get started today. Complete our contact form or visit Surrey Careers Hub to find out how to take the first step.

Get Surrey Working Plan launches to bring thousands into work

Published 17 March 2026

Business news, Skills and workforce

The Get Surrey Working Plan is a bold cross-county plan to bring thousands of people back into work in Surrey. It’s now been launched with the backing of Surrey County Council, government ministers and employers.

The Get Surrey Working Plan brings key partners together to focus on supporting 26,900 economically inactive residents who want to work but currently face barriers to employment.

Surrey currently has a lower-than-average rate of economic inactivity at 17.8% compared to the national average of 21.2%. But around 131,000 of its working age population are not currently employed.

Government ministers and local leaders across government, Jobcentre Plus, health and business are pledging to work together to tackle the issue through a series of interventions. This includes multimillion pound schemes such as Connect to Work, Skills Bootcamps and WorkWell.

The new STEP Surrey portal will streamline access to services. It will help residents finding the right support, learning new skills and finding jobs. Plus they can access assistance in a simple and easy way.

What is the Get Surrey Working Plan?

The Get Surrey Working Plan was formally launched by representatives from the One Surrey Growth Board at Redhill JobCentre Plus.

The plan identifies the key reasons for tens of thousands of Surrey’s working age residents not working. This includes long-term health conditions and caring responsibilities.

It also addresses Surrey’s skills mismatch problem. Currently many highly skilled professionals commute to London for work, leaving local employers struggling to fill vacancies. Key sectors including health and social care, automotive, and technology are particularly affected by recruitment challenges.

To bridge this gap, the plan will deliver targeted business support and skills development programmes. The aim is helping employers fill vacancies while supporting workforce planning and inclusive employment practices.

The soon-to-be-devolved Adult Skills Fund will focus on priority sectors and skills gaps. This enables residents to gain qualifications aligned with local employer needs.

Young people without skills or access to further learning will receive early intervention support in schools to reduce the risk of becoming NEET (not in education, employment, or training), with clear vocational pathways and work experience opportunities.

Why is the Get Surrey Working Plan important?

Matt Furniss, Surrey County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth and Chair of the One Surrey Growth Board, said: “While the economic picture in Surrey is largely a positive one, we know that there are thousands of people out there who are currently out of work but not in employment.

“Through the Get Surrey Working, we’re committed to breaking down those barriers and creating a truly inclusive labour market where everyone has the opportunity to access good quality employment and reach their full potential.”

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Pat McFadden said: “The Get Surrey Working Plan is a perfect example of how partners can come together to support people into work and help local businesses find the talent they need.

“Surrey is a county with real strengths – a thriving economy, top-class businesses and talented people – yet we know there are many more people who want to work but face barriers that hold them back.

“By bringing together local employers and support services we can reach people where they are and give them a genuine route into good work. This kind of practical, locally-led support is exactly what we need to get Britain working.”

The plan has been developed through partnership working. Key stakeholders include public health colleagues, Jobcentre Plus, Surrey Chambers of Commerce and employment support providers.

The aim is to avoid duplication of services and ensure support reaches those who need it most. This is through coordinating the employment and skills offer across Surrey with a clear, joined-up local service.

To access employment and skills support through STEP Surrey, visit: www.stepsurrey.co.uk

Five steps to get your small business work experience ready

Published 10 March 2026

Skills and workforce

If you’ve been thinking about offering work experience but aren’t sure where to begin, now is a great time to start.

Under new government guidelines, every student should have multiple workplace experiences throughout their education. Gone are the days of a two-week placement in Year 10 being the only option available – there are now multiple ways for employers to offer meaningful experiences throughout secondary school.

For businesses, this creates more opportunities to engage with young people, and flexibility in how you participate. Not only are you giving young people a chance to gain real-world skills, you’ll be introducing the next generation to your sector and identifying future talent early. So the benefits go both ways.

If you think you could offer meaningful work experience for secondary school students, here are five steps to get started with work experience in your small business.

  1. Identify what you can offer

Start by looking realistically at your capacity. If you’ve felt unable to offer a full-week placement in the past, one of the new options may work well for you. Businesses can offer a two-hour or half-day site visit with talks and workshops, a workplace safari with other businesses, work shadowing in-person or virtually, as well as a hands-on project over a few days.

Think about quieter periods when hosting students would be manageable. The key is finding an arrangement that’s sustainable for your business while offering genuine value to the students. Starting small, perhaps with a single two-hour or half-day visit, lets you test what works before scaling up.

  1. Define clear learning outcomes

Setting out specific learning outcomes is the best way to create a meaningful experience for young people and make the best use of your time. For example, students coming away with an understanding of the customer service skills required in retail is more useful than just experiencing a retail environment.

Clear outcomes help you structure the programme, brief your team and provide a valuable learning experience. They also help you identify students who show genuine aptitude in the skills your sector needs; these young people could become future apprentices or employees.

  1. Prepare your team

Your employees are crucial to making work experience successful. Brief them on what’s expected and bring them in to help tailor the programme – they will have something valuable to share.

Identify team members who will interact well with students and consider appointing a work experience coordinator who can take ownership of the project. Discuss what meaningful interaction looks like: answering questions, explaining tasks and sharing honest insights about your industry.

Employees often find supporting work experience participants very rewarding. It can help develop their own communication skills and enhance their sense of purpose through inspiring the next generation.

  1. Create structured activities and tasks

Students need to actively participate and engage with the experience. Design tasks that are achievable but provide genuine insight into your sector, and ideally, add value to your business.

Activities might include researching competitors, creating social media content, mystery shopping your customer service, contributing to team meetings or shadowing different departments.

Well-designed tasks can deliver real value: fresh market research, usable content or honest feedback on your customer experience. You will also gain insight into the mindset of the next generation, which could inform future business strategy.

  1. Get in touch with Surrey Careers Hub

If you want to explore providing work experience in your small business, Surrey Careers Hub is here to support you.

Complete our contact form to express your interest, and we’ll arrange a short consultation to understand your business, capacity and what would work best for you. Together, we’ll help you to design a programme that suits your circumstances and industry.

Through our work experience matching platform CareerThread, you can connect with schools and students whose interests align with your sector.

Get started today. Complete our form or visit Surrey Careers Hub.