A new government-backed campaign is calling on small businesses across the country to open their doors to young people and help deliver 200,000 additional work experience opportunities for 14 to 16-year-olds. The Open Your Door campaign, launched today, is spearheaded by Small Business Britain and supported by the Careers & Enterprise Company, Enterprise Nation and the British Chambers of Commerce.

What the campaign aims to do

The campaign will support firms to offer work experience, giving young people vital exposure to the workplace while helping businesses invest in their future workforce and give back to their local communities. The aim is for 50,000 of the 200,000 work experience places to be pledged by small businesses. Open Your Door forms part of the wider National Mission on Work Experience, announced in September, which aims to boost hands-on learning and career readiness for teenagers.

Part of a wider youth push

The campaign comes as the government steps up efforts to help more young people into education, training and work, ahead of Alan Milburn’s review into young people and work. In May, the government announced 300,000 new work experience and training placements as part of a £2.5 billion youth employment support package, including Sector-based Work Academy Programmes that offer training, hands-on experience and a guaranteed job interview.

Why work experience matters

Ministers and employers argue that early exposure to the workplace helps teenagers build confidence, understand the careers open to them and make better choices about their next steps. For small firms, hosting a placement is also a chance to spot future talent and strengthen links with local schools. Read more about the Open Your Door campaign.