Devon, Plymouth and Torbay launch pilot to transform work experience for young people across rural and coastal communities

The region’s Careers Hub will lead work to test the new “equalex” model that gives young people multiple, high-quality experiences with employers totalling 10 days across their secondary education.

• New pilot guarantees 10 days of modern work experience built up across secondary education
• Region chosen within series of regional pilots
• Focus on creating scalable employer engagement in rural areas so every young person can benefit

An ambitious national plan to reinvent work experience for young people is being brought to life in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay.

The region’s Careers Hub will lead work to test the new “equalex” model that gives young people multiple, high-quality experiences with employers totalling 10 days across their secondary education. The approach replaces the traditional two-week block with a series of varied experiences that build skills over time and open doors to fast-growing sectors.

The pilot in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay will focus on how to scale employer engagement in rural communities, ensuring young people from dispersed locations can access meaningful opportunities regardless of geography. This includes collaborating with small businesses, tourism employers, healthcare providers, and emerging green industries to create a flexible and inclusive offer.

It will focus on removing long-standing barriers faced by young people in rural areas, including limited transport options and fewer large employers, while making it easier for businesses of all sizes to get involved.

The programme is one of six national pilots developed with local authorities and regional partners across England, each testing a different part of the new approach ahead of a planned national roll-out.

The government has committed to ensuring every student receives at least two weeks of work experience during secondary school. The Careers & Enterprise Company is testing this guarantee through its network of Careers Hubs.

John Yarham, Chief Executive of The Careers & Enterprise Company, said: “Devon, Plymouth and Torbay bring a unique rural and coastal perspective to this work. The challenge of connecting young people in dispersed communities with the opportunities around them is one we must solve if we want every young person to thrive. This pilot will show how employer engagement can be scaled in rural areas so that location is never a barrier to ambition. It’s an exciting moment for the region, and a vital part of our shared commitment to ensuring all young people build the skills and experiences they need for the future.

Jo Skeel, Careers Hub Lead for Devon, Plymouth and Torbay, said: “We know the challenges rural and coastal schools face when it comes to work experience—limited transport, fewer large employers, and dispersed communities. This pilot tackles those barriers head-on and ensures every young person has the chance to explore careers that excite them, no matter where they live. By creating a flexible, multi-experience model, we’re giving students the confidence, skills, and connections they need to thrive, while helping our businesses build the skilled workforce they need for the future.”