Welcome to WEX Month
A celebratory collaboration of leading organisations, aiming to improve the quality and frequency of meaningful Work Experience and virtual Work Experience programmes for learners across the UK.
Every young person deserves a fair start
Evidence shows that when a student gains access to meaningful WEX or vWEX activity, they not only develop a better understanding of what the world of work looks and feels like — they are also better prepared for the transition from education into employment.
In recent years, the opportunities for students to gain valuable work experience have really diminished. A variety of factors have contributed to this: a reduction in the number of larger employers able and willing to offer placements, a growing inability of Small and Medium-sized Employers (SMEs) to provide safe and meaningful placements, and changes in work experience legislation and funding to education.
It is now not uncommon for parents and carers to be asked by schools and colleges to help students find meaningful WEX placements or vWEX experiences. This relies on the ‘social capital’ of parents and carers.
Parents and carers have significantly different networks and contacts — so the opportunities students secure can vary dramatically. This is neither fair nor an acceptable situation.
A collaboration that can really shift the dial
The Partners involved in WEX Month care deeply about the current inequality of the system, and have agreed to work collaboratively to improve the quality and volume of meaningful WEX and vWEX opportunities.
Each partner organisation brings a wealth of experience and specialism — and together, they can really shift the dial in a positive way.
Showcase best practice
We shine a light on the best examples of WEX and vWEX programmes already running — so others can learn from them and replicate what works.
Bring stakeholders together
WEX Month acts as a catalyst, convening employers, education and providers to share knowledge, experience and the best solutions for improving student outcomes.
Open doors for everyone
Those without the ‘social capital’ to find quality placements get a place to look for help — and the employers who can provide it have somewhere to learn how.
So, what can you do to help?
If you represent one of the organisations below, we may be able to help you — help others.
Schools & colleges
Need help organising meaningful WEX placements for your students, or finding quality vWEX resources?
Larger employers
Able to offer meaningful WEX opportunities or vWEX resources to students in your region or nationally?
SMEs
Willing to offer students a meaningful WEX experience — whether or not you need help to set it up?
Tell us what you hope we can help you with specifically.
Brokers and vWEX providers — we want to hear from you too
Do you arrange, broker or help arrange WEX opportunities for students? Or provide vWEX resources you feel could help students? Get in touch — tell us how you can help, and how you feel we might help you.
United by one shared mission
WEX Month is delivered by a partnership of leading careers, employability and education organisations — each bringing decades of collective expertise to improve outcomes for young people across the UK.
The founding partners
The Founding Partners in this collaboration work independently and collectively to improve opportunities for young people across the UK.
National Careers Week
Improves the life choices of young people by empowering them with free, quality careers education, information and guidance — reaching over 2 million learners each year.
Find out more →AEBP
A national network of organisations working directly with schools, colleges and employers across the UK to prepare young people for the world of work and further training and education.
Find out more →Employability UK
Focused on working with students to improve their employability skills, and supporting their successful transition from education to the world of work.
Find out more →Committed to the collaboration
Alongside the Founders, key supporting partners have committed to this collaboration to improve successful transition opportunities for young people.
The Edge Foundation
A highly respected independent organisation that works across a number of interest areas to improve provision, access, quality and opportunity.
Find out more →The Association of Colleges
Represents over 200 Further Education colleges around the UK, ensuring the quality, accessibility and diversity of FE learning for all ages in our communities.
Find out more →Working with us on the mission
The following organisations are working with us to help achieve the goals outlined in the WEX Month mission.
Tech She Can
Have been working in this space for many years. A trusted provider of technology-based learning programmes and resources for students, the team have created WEX Tech — an online vWEX tech programme especially for WEX Month.
Find out more →Amazing Apprenticeships
A national organisation and the leaders in promoting quality apprenticeship opportunities to learners, encouraging employers to create and extend apprenticeship opportunities to school leavers. We will be working in collaboration with them to encourage more SMEs to develop meaningful WEX programmes for students.
Find out more →Want to work with us as a Key Partner or Supporting Partner?
Contact usHear from our founding partners
Each year NCW reaches over 2 million learners across the UK as the largest celebration of careers pathways in Europe. Nothing prepares learners for the world of work better than gaining experience of real tasks and working operations. This is a very exciting step.
Work experience only works when it is designed as infrastructure — not activity. National Work Experience Month builds on careers inspiration by embedding real workplace application within structured progression pathways. This is how we build a future workforce — not just exposure.
Employer engagement works best when it is structured and supported. This model strengthens brokerage, consistency and reach — making it easier for employers to open their doors and make a real difference.
Children tell us time and again that they want to experience work and technical education before they leave school. Both have the power to inspire and motivate children to work harder in school, achieve better results and progress into learning — and ultimately work — that fulfils them. That's why I am delighted to see FE Colleges playing their part in this drive for more and better work experience.
At Edge, we've long believed in the power of high quality work experience to give young people an insight into different careers, help them develop their skills and see the relevance of their learning — put simply, great work experience changes lives. We support this major new initiative from great partners to radically increase the availability of work experience opportunities and help the next generation get ready for the world of work.