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Preparing for learner's visits

This page has been created to support employers when preparing and deciding on whether they are able to accommodate learners for a site visit, work experience or an engagement within your place of work.

We understand it may feel daunting, but we would be honoured to work with you to see if it is possible. If you are unable to offer a workplace experience or visit, but would still like to support and get involved. Please do get in touch.

To help put into context the real benefits your organisation can have on a young person, you may wish to watch this wonderful video that captures the life-changing impact this can have on a young person.

FAQ

What is the benefit to doing this? Welcoming students to your workplace is one of the most impactful ways you can support their understanding of the world of work. We want this process to be simple, safe, and stress-free for everyone involved.
What do we need from employers ahead of the visit?

To keep everyone safe and meet standard education requirements, we ask employers to share the following documents at least two weeks before the visit:

1. Employers’ or Public Liability Insurance

A standard document that every organisation already holds.

2. Relevant Risk Assessments

These only need to cover what students will actually be doing.

  • If students are simply touring the site, a basic movement-around-site risk assessment is enough.

  • If PPE is required (e.g., hi-vis), a simple note confirming this is helpful.

3. Health & Safety Policy

Ideally outlining:

  • Who is responsible for Health & Safety

  • How safety procedures are carried out
    Most companies already have this prepared.

Optional but helpful if you are able to provide

head of visits we like to ensure our learners and staff are fully prepared. If you are able to provide any of the following this would be extremely helpful.

Site Map

A map showing key areas such as:

  • Entrances & exits

  • First aid points

  • Fire extinguisher points

  • Accident book location

If you don’t have a map, that’s absolutely fine. In many cases, we create one with students as part of their preparation for work experience.

Photos of key people

To ensure the right people are identified, photos of key people learners may encounter would be useful, but again not necessary.

What do we do to support this opportunity?

Once we receive your documents, our Job Coaches or work experience teams will

  • Complete all necessary education trip paperwork

  • Attach our own standard risk assessments (e.g., travel, supervision, general visit)

  • Share these with you for transparency

  • Provide any Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for students who may require individual support in an emergency

We handle the education paperwork so you don’t have to.

 What is the impact of offering?

By opening your doors to young people, you give them:

  • Real insight into the world of work

  • Confidence and motivation

  • A pathway towards future employment

Many employers say it becomes the highlight of their year.

Myth-Busting: Students Visiting Your Site

Employers often share the same concerns, here are the most common myths cleared up:

Myth 1: “It’s too risky to have SEND students on-site.”

Reality: Visits are carefully planned with Job Coaches and Careers Teams who manage supervision, safety, and student needs. Most visits involve simple tours and conversations and do not need to have hands-on work.

Myth 2: “We need lots of specialist equipment or training.”

Reality: For 90% of visits, all students need is a hi-vis and to follow the same safety rules as your staff and visitors.

Myth 3: “If something goes wrong, we’re liable.”

Reality: Employers have no additional liability beyond hosting any other visitor. Students are covered by the school’s insurance while supervised by staff and Job Coaches.

Myth 4: “We don’t have time to prepare lots of documents.”

Reality: Most organisations already have everything required. We accept simple, existing documents — nothing needs rewriting.

Myth 5: “We must run activities or create presentations.”

Reality: A walk-and-talk tour is more than enough. Students love seeing real workplaces and meeting real people.

The careers and enterprise company have produced some great additional resources that you may wish to explore.