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More than 3,100 students across Bradford district took part in work experience placements during the 2024–25 school year, thanks to the SkillsHouse Xperience team at Bradford Council.

The young people, mostly in Year 10 and 12, enjoyed placements with local employers to help them learn what real jobs are like and build important skills like teamwork, problem solving and communication.

Councillor Imran Khan, Bradford Council’s Executive member for Economy, Employment and Skills, said: “It is important that the young people of the Bradford district are given the opportunity to immerse themselves in a working environment. High-quality work experience helps students feel more confident and ready for their future.

Established for over 25 years, the Xperience team is made up of specialist advisers who work with schools and employers to match students to work experience placements that suit their interests and career goals.  Every placement is checked to make sure it’s safe and appropriate, and both schools and employers get support throughout the process.

This year, Xperience also took part in a national pilot called Equalex Modern Work Experience. They created a special programme for students at Beechcliffe School in Keighley where 45 students joined a “Ready for Work” event, trying out hands-on tasks with companies including Balfour Beatty, Blossoms, Sue Ryder and SORM.

Another group of 23 post-16 students visited Tesco’s Fulfilment Centre and store in Bradford. They also had a careers talk and train safety session with Northern Rail, travelling by train to make the day feel like a real journey to work. The students said the experience made them feel inspired and helped them learn useful skills for future jobs. Their teacher described it as ‘a valuable real life learning experience for the students at Beechcliffe’.

To find out more about what Xperience does, go to the Xperience page, email xperience@bradford.gov.uk or telephone us on 01274 439600.