Amelia Canham, Compliance Manager

Every summer, we open our doors to Year 10 students from a local secondary school for a week of work experience – and every year, I am reminded just how valuable the experience is, not just for the students, but for our team and the wider community.

For students, especially those aged 14–15, a placement is often their first exposure to the world of work. It gives them a chance to explore different career paths, understand workplace expectations, and develop essential skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Even a short experience can help build confidence and spark ambition, especially for students who may not yet have a clear idea of what their future might hold.

But it is not just the students who benefit. Our team gains fresh perspectives, energy, and the satisfaction of mentoring young people who are curious, capable, and keen to learn. If your firm has been considering taking on work experience students, we would strongly encourage you to do so. Personally, the work experience week is one of the highlights of my year!

And it is not just about that one week. Offering work experience placements can also help businesses connect more deeply with their local community, demonstrate social responsibility, and potentially inspire future recruits to return one day as employees.

Offering placements does not need to be a huge investment. A structured week with a simple mix of shadowing, hands-on tasks, and informal chats can have a lasting impact. More firms—large or small—should consider getting involved. By doing so, they help bridge the gap between education and employment and play a direct role in shaping a more informed, skilled, and motivated future workforce.

If you have ever thought about offering a placement but were not sure where to start, take the plunge. You might be surprised by how rewarding it is for everyone involved.

If you are interested in running a work experience placement and would like to discuss how we run ours at Chubb Bulleid, please contact amelia_canham@chubb-bulleid.co.uk.