Work Inspiration

Work Inspiration is a UK wide campaign led by BITC mobilising businesses to turn Work Experience into Work Inspiration, to bridge the gap between the classroom and the world of work.

Prior to launching the campaign, BITC spent 18 months researching senior business leaders’ ideas on how to tackle the skills and talent deficit in the UK. One of the key issues identified through Business in the Community’s Talent Debates, attended by 2,000 business leaders in 2008-2009, was the gap between young people’s expectations of the world of work and what business expected from those new recruits.

The campaign was launched on 15th September 2009, when Sir Stuart Rose, Chairman of BITC, launched a national call-to-action to improve work experience for young people. This formed the start of a national business-led movement – business talking to business across the county to improve the work experience they offer. The goal, to improve work experience for nearly 500,000 students entering work placements in June 2010.

The Work Inspiration campaign addresses two critical needs:

1. The business need for employable recruits, the standard of which is improved by engaging earlier with the future workforce.
2. The social need to provide young people with a clearer picture of work, to equip them to make decisions about their future career paths and increase their employability.

By becoming a Work Inspiration employer, business of any size and any sector show their intent to rethink the quality and quantity of their offer to the benefit of both the young people and the employees who volunteer to host them during a Work Inspiration placement.

Business in the Community

Business in the Community stands for responsible business. Our members commit to take action on the key issues of today, be they people or planet, and create a unique platform for collaborative action. Business in the Community’s approach to responsible business provides a clear framework to address new challenges, improve business performance and benefit society.

Our members recognise the relationship between responsible business practice, addressing social and environmental need and the role this plays in building confidence and creating wealth. We work across four areas of expertise in the workplace, marketplace, environment and community. By sharing knowledge and experience, and developing innovative solutions, we are a catalyst for change and demonstrate the positive impact business can have on society.

With more than 800 companies in membership, we represent 1 in 5 of the UK private sector workforce and convene a network of global partners. www.bitc.org.uk