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YOU ARE IN » Home page > How to... main menu > Promote work experience

Promote work experience

Be recognised for your positive contribution to workforce development and employability with The NCWE Work Experience Quality Mark.

"It was nice to have an independent party verify our opinion of ourselves and the feedback that we received was great. We were given tips about improvements we could make and ways to benchmark ourselves against our competitors" Linda Graham, Graduate and Business Placement Programme Manager, Marks and Spencer.

"We believe that the Quality Mark accreditation will enable us to attract the best talent and freshest thinking into our business, enabling us to take our business into the future more strongly and confidently than ever." Rebecca Fielding, Talent Manager, H J Heinz Ltd.

What is it?

The Quality Mark is an accreditation awarded by the National Council for Work Experience (NCWE) to recognise employers who have reached the required standard of work experience provision.

The government is continuing to encourage collaboration between education and industry in addressing issues predicted to affect the future UK economy. The Quality Mark aims to contribute to this initiative and benefit students, employers and society. The overall aim of the accreditation is to contribute to positive workforce development.

The NCWE recognises that all companies operate differently and that many factors contribute to the length, structure and number of students involved in the work placement scheme. The Quality Mark has been designed around eight criteria intended to highlight basic principles and best practice whilst allowing for individuality and flexibility.

The award raises the standard of work experience and ensures that students gain valuable knowledge and understanding of the world of work. In addition to recognising companies who already offer high quality work experience, the award is used as a tool for employers to benchmark and improve their scheme.

“The depth and scope of the assessment really helped with the evaluation of what our work experience programmes deliver for the company and the students. As work experience is so embedded in our organisation, the rigorous assessment process helped us to re-clarify the aims and benefits of internships across the company.” Brian Hood, Head of Graduate Recruitment for Europe, Middle East and Africa, Citi.

What are the benefits?

Primarily and most importantly, students gain valuable and transferable work based skills which will help them to gain employment after graduation. Work experience also improves the student’s academic performance and provides them with the opportunity to ‘test the water’ of their chosen career path.

“Graduate Prospects has provided placement opportunities for several years. In-line with our commitment to quality in all areas of the business, we strive to deliver best practice. The quality mark has enabled our company to improve the student experience and be more innovative with placement opportunities.” Steph Tonge, Human Resources Officer, Graduate Prospects.

Employers have found that they receive many benefits from being accredited with the Quality Mark. The accreditation reinforces corporate brand and reputation helping companies to attract and retain the highest calibre employees and raise their competitiveness in the marketplace. A well structured work placement programme provides employers with the opportunity to assess candidates before offering them a permanent position. Many firms use this method to gain commitment from students before they graduate.

“The accreditation in association with our Industrial Placement scheme has attracted extra tangible benefits for the company than we initially anticipated. This independent recognition of the high standards of training provided at GSK has given us a competitive edge in attracting interns.” Dr Harry Kelly, Chemistry Recruitment Manager, GSK.

How much does it cost?

The basic package starts at £3,000 plus one independent assessor day charged at £500 and travel expenses. The package includes assessment, accreditation and monitoring. You are entitled to regular advice from the NCWE during the completion of your application either face-to-face or electronically (face-to-face visits will accrue further costs due to travel expenses).

Please note two annual visits are required between accreditation and re-accreditation, these will be charged at £200 per visit.

Accredited companies receive

• 3 year NCWE membership (ongoing help and advice).
• Authorisation to display NCWE Quality Mark logo on corporate literature.
• Certificate of company’s commitment to providing a high quality work placement programme.

NCWE Quality Mark - Accredited companies

NCWE Quality Mark - Current applicants

For more information please use our contact form or download the Quality Mark Information Pack