From April to May 2026, a group of Key Stage 3 students from Havelock Academy took part in a hands-on work experience project that combined community impact with real-world learning.
Delivered in partnership with Lincolnshire Co-op, Strand Primary Academy and the Greater Lincolnshire Careers Hub, the initiative demonstrated how meaningful work experience can be introduced earlier in a young person’s journey.
A practical approach to early work experience
Designed specifically for students in Years 7 to 9, the project offered an opportunity to develop workplace skills through a live community brief. Following strong interest, with 40 students putting themselves forward, 14 were selected to take part.
The challenge was to transform a disused rooftop playground at Strand Primary Academy into a welcoming garden space for younger pupils.
Working alongside Lincolnshire Co-op, students learned about the organisation and its range of roles before taking responsibility for planning and delivering the project. They were given a budget, created a shopping list and balanced creative ideas with practical decision-making. Funding from Lincolnshire Co-op’s Community Champions programme enabled them to purchase plants, compost and recycled materials, bringing their ideas to life.
"This has given the younger students a chance to explore work experience in line with the statutory guidance. We've been meeting weekly and explored job roles, budgeting and the skills needed. The Year 9s have taken on leadership roles to guide the younger students and develop their skills."
Lauren Buston, Careers Lead at Havelock Academy
Bringing the project to life
In May, students visited Strand Primary Academy to complete the transformation. They painted planters, prepared soil, planted flowers and vegetables, and repurposed everyday items into creative garden features.
The day also brought together different age groups, with Year 6 pupils joining the activity. This gave Havelock students the opportunity to develop their communication and leadership skills while supporting younger children.
"It's been really fun and easy to do. I've improved my teamwork and communication."
Year 7 student
"It's been very fun working with other year groups and knowing I'm helping younger kids to have a new outside space."
Year 9 student
Building skills and broadening opportunities
For employers, experiences of the workplace like this offer a practical way to support social value objectives, raise awareness of their organisation among future employees, and contribute to developing a stronger local talent pipeline.
Throughout the project, students developed key skills including teamwork, communication, planning, problem solving and creativity. They also gained insight into a range of career areas, from community engagement and horticulture to budgeting and project management.
These are the transferable skills employers across all sectors look for, making early engagement opportunities like this a valuable way to help prepare young people for future education, training and employment.
The value of partnership working
The project highlights how community-based experiences can provide an accessible route into work experience for younger students, helping them connect learning to real careers while making a positive contribution to their local area.
"It has been a pleasure to support this work experience model for the group of Key Stage 3 students. Thank you to Sophie Leaning, Erika Stainton and everyone else at Lincolnshire Co-op who were involved in organising this great opportunity. The students had a fantastic day of gardening and working together and have been able to learn so much about unique roles and the importance of effective teamwork and communication throughout project work."
Sophie Bullivant, Work Experience Co-ordinator at the Greater Lincolnshire Careers Hub
It also demonstrates the value of strong employer partnerships. By working with Lincolnshire Co-op, Havelock Academy has developed a model that can support future work experience opportunities, employer encounters and career-related learning activities.
For employers, partnerships like this offer a practical way to support social value objectives, raise awareness of their organisation among future employees, and contribute to developing a stronger local talent pipeline.
Experiences like this help students build confidence, develop essential skills and broaden their aspirations, while enabling businesses to inspire future career pathways and strengthen connections between education and industry.
Get involved
If this sounds like something your business could get involved in, there are a range of opportunities available through the Greater Lincolnshire Careers Hub, designed to suit different sectors, sizes and levels of commitment.
Whether you’re able to offer a workplace experience, support a community project, speak to students about your industry or host an employer encounter, there are flexible ways to get involved and make a lasting impact.
Click ‘Find Out More‘ or contact the team directly at GLCareersHub@lincolnshire.gov.uk to explore how you can support young people and help shape the future workforce.