The Future of Work Experience
A new documentary showcases Newcastle Helix’s collaborative model for giving young people meaningful insight into the world of work.
A ground-breaking model for work experience has been developed in the North East, led by the Innovation District of Newcastle Helix.
The unique collaboration between schools, private businesses, the public sector and voluntary organisations is featured in a new documentary The Future of Work Experience.
At the heart of the film (released 1st June 2026) is the BUILDING BLOCKS Work Experience model, which is based around a ‘work placement safari’. Rather than relying on a traditional one-week placement with a single employer, students are exposed to a range of sectors, businesses and career pathways through interactive sessions built around real workplaces, real people and real skills.
This single-site, multi occupancy model relies on businesses across the Newcastle Helix district contributing their time, expertise and spaces to create meaningful experiences for young people — showing how even small contributions from businesses can have a major impact on confidence, aspiration and social mobility.
Across the structured week, students engage with employers from industries including technology, life sciences, law, marketing, finance and clean energy, while also developing wider employability skills such as communication, teamwork, confidence, resilience and presentation.
The model also allows businesses to engage in ways that suit their capacity. A flexible way for more organisations to support young people without the pressure of delivering a full week-long placement alone.
Convened by the Newcastle Helix team and co-ordinated by Altitude Foundation (a social mobility charity with a focus on STEM), the programme forms part of a wider conversation about how students, employers, educators and policymakers can work together to create sustainable talent pipelines, fill skills shortages and boost the regional economy.
The documentary also features insight and expertise from the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, whose Inspiring Futures team supported the development of the programme through careers guidance and regional expertise around work experience and employer engagement.
Film Link here: THE FUTURE OF WORK EXPERIENCE
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