Across England, apprenticeships and work-based pathways remain one of the most important routes into skilled employment. According to the House of Commons Library, the largest proportion of apprenticeship starts is among under-25s, highlighting the critical role employers play in shaping early career decisions.
However, national data also shows significant regional and sector variation in employer engagement, with opportunities unevenly distributed and many young people unsure what local careers really look like. For some businesses, particularly SMEs, this often isn’t a lack of intent but a question of time, clarity and confidence.
This is where experiences of the workplace can make a real difference.
Research consistently links meaningful encounters with employers to better-informed career choices and stronger progression into apprenticeships, training and employment. These pathways are most effective when they are visible, relatable and clearly connected to real roles and skills. From an employer perspective, these encounters also deliver multiple values: they give you early visibility of future talent, while also helping shape young people’s understanding of your industry – strengthening your future recruitment pipeline.
Why Summer Is the Ideal Time to Get Involved
As we head into the summer period, many businesses experience a natural pause or shift: projects complete, teams reflect, and planning begins for autumn recruitment or skills needs. This makes summer an ideal window for short, low-commitment engagement, from workplace visits and project insights to structured placements that align with quieter periods.
However, common concerns still hold businesses back:
“We don’t have time.”
“We’re not set up for placements.”
“We’re not sure what’s expected of us.”
The Greater Lincolnshire Careers Hub helps remove these barriers.
Support Available Through the Greater Lincolnshire Careers Hub
Rather than asking businesses to take on more, the Careers Hub tailors engagement to what already works for you, whether that’s a short workplace visit, an industry insight session or a flexible summer placement. You don’t need to design programmes from scratch or manage everything alone. Support is coordinated, expectations are clear and guidance is provided at every stage.
Importantly, offering experiences of the workplace isn’t just about social value. It’s a practical way to:
- Build future recruitment routes without immediate hiring pressure
- Improve awareness of your sector among local young people
- Engage existing staff in positive, morale-boosting activity
- Position your business as forward-thinking and community-minded
Evidence shows that early employer engagement helps young people make more informed choices, reducing skills gaps, mismatches and future recruitment challenges.
As planning for the next academic year begins, small actions taken this summer can deliver long-term benefits for both young people and your business. If you’ve ever thought “we’d like to get involved, but aren’t sure how,” this is the simplest place to start.
To learn more, contact the Greater Lincolnshire Careers Hub at GLCareersHub@lincolnshire.gov.uk