Every student is unique in their own way and employers must cater for this to ensure good work experience programmes, explains Springpod.

It’s a well-known fact that every person is unique in their own way. This includes students; they come from different backgrounds, have diverse learning styles, and possess varying abilities and interests.

Not all students are the same, and employers need to recognise and cater to these differences.

ISE and Springpod webinar Engaging students from low socio-economic backgrounds shares valuable insights from some of the 450,000 students Springpod regularly engages with to help employers cater to the differences. 

Learning differences

One of the most significant factors that differentiate students is their learning style. Some students are visual learners, while others are auditory or kinaesthetic learners.

Visual learners prefer to learn through pictures, diagrams, and videos, whereas auditory learners excel at learning through verbal instructions and discussions. Kinaesthetic learners, on the other hand, learn best through hands-on experiential activities.

Different backgrounds

Another factor that differentiates students is their background and experiences. Some students may come from low-income families, while others may come from affluent ones. Some may have experienced trauma or struggle with mental health issues, while others may not.

These factors can significantly impact a student’s ability to learn and thrive in a work setting.

Unique abilities

Another important factor is students’ abilities and interests. Every student has their unique talents, strengths, and weaknesses.

Some students may excel in STEM, while others may excel in the arts, literature or culture. Some students may struggle with certain subjects but excel in others.

Again, employers need to understand these differences and provide opportunities for students to explore their interests and develop their skills.

Pace of learning

Furthermore, every student has their own learning pace. Some students may grasp new concepts quickly, while others may need more time to understand and apply them.

Springpod helps employers understand all these differences and tailor work experience programmes that contextualise the workplace whilst including and engaging all students at their own learning pace.

Having the ability to experience the world of work in a particular field in a supportive and flexible way is likely to positively affect a student’s affinity for a chosen field.

Guidance and support

Not all students have the same goals and aspirations. Some students may have a clear idea of their own chosen pathway, while others may still be exploring their options.

It’s essential to provide guidance and support to help students identify and pursue their goals, whether it’s going on to higher education, pursuing an apprenticeship, or indeed starting their own business.

Finally, individual students start their decision-making at very different times. Some will start the process very early, even in year 10, when they will begin to explore subject areas, and will continue through to year 13 when they will finally settle on a pathway. Some students will wait until year 13 to begin, and largely only through external pressure. partners.springpod.com can help identify these students and their motivations.

In conclusion, of course, we know we are not all the same, but it is essential that all these unique student attributes are considered and catered for when creating work experience programmes, particularly whilst young people are choosing their pathway and their future.

These insights should also be reflected in employer marketing and outreach. Catering for these variances that influence a student’s decision-making process, marketing activity should be sensitive to these differences and embrace them at the heart of strategy.

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