At Carshaton College, employability is at the heart of the student experience. High-quality work experience (WEX) and work-related learning (WRL) play a vital role in helping young people build confidence, develop real-world skills, and make informed career choices.
All 16–18 learners are expected to complete a minimum of 36 hours of work experience and work-related learning as part of their programme. For the 2025/26 academic year, learners have already achieved an impressive 12,000+ hours across work experience placements, paid work, employer-led briefs, workshops, and industry projects. To date, approximately 613 learners have taken part in meaningful WEX and WRL opportunities this academic year.
Work experience also includes volunteering and community-based opportunities, allowing learners to give back locally while developing teamwork, communication and leadership skills. This charity and community work plays an important role in shaping well-rounded, socially responsible young people alongside their career development.
Our dedicated Employability Team works closely with leading employers to give learners genuine insight into the world of work. This year, students have gained exposure to a wide range of industries through partnerships with organisations such as Sutton Council, Merton Council, Under Armour, NARS, Socius, St Georges, Doble Motorcycles, Stellantis and You, Sean McInnes Sport Coaching, Community Advantages Plumbingwerx, Escape Studios, National Trust and many more. These experiences help learners develop employability skills, understand workplace expectations, and, for many, lead directly to employment or apprenticeship opportunities.
A message to parents and carers
Parents and carers play a crucial role in supporting young people’s career journeys. If you are aware of, or able to support your young person with, a work experience or workplace opportunity—no matter how big or small—we would love to hear from you. Please contact our Employability Team directly: angela.woolnough@stcg.ac.uk to discuss how we can work together.
By connecting education with industry, we are ensuring our learners leave college work-ready, confident, and prepared for their next steps.
