How employers can support and why it benefits everyone
We work with a wide range of employers from all sectors. Whether you’re a large organisation or a small business, your insight and time can make a real difference.
Together, we can bridge the gap between education and employment and create a future where all young people can thrive.
How employers can get involved
- Host workplace experiences – invite students into your business to gain first-hand insight into your industry.
- Deliver workshops or talks – share your career journey, skills, and knowledge to bring curriculum subjects to life.
- Support mock interviews or CV workshops – help students build confidence and understand employer expectations.
- Project support – guide young people through real-world tasks and nurture essential employability skills.
- Provide inclusive opportunities – contribute to inclusive experiences for all.
These opportunities can be one-off engagements or part of a longer-term partnership, and we are here to support every step of the way.
The benefits for schools, students, and the community
When employers engage with schools through DEBP programmes, the impact is immediate and long-lasting:
- Students gain confidence and clarity about their career options and the skills they need.
- Schools strengthen their careers provision and meet Gatsby Benchmarks more effectively.
- Communities benefit as local talent is nurtured and supported, improving aspiration and opportunity.
This work is particularly vital for students from disadvantaged backgrounds or those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), who face additional barriers to work. Employer involvement helps remove those barriers and broaden students’ horizons.
The Business Case: Why it’s worth it for employers
Supporting DEBP isn’t just good for students — it’s a smart move for businesses too:
- Future-proof your workforce
By engaging early with young people, you can help shape a pipeline of local, work-ready talent. - Enhance your reputation
Demonstrating a commitment to social value and education strengthens your brand and helps meet Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) goals. - Develop your team
Involvement in outreach activities is a great development opportunity for staff, especially those building confidence in leadership, mentoring, or communication. - Stay connected
You’ll stay informed about education priorities, youth trends, and local networks that could benefit your recruitment and workforce development.
Examples of how we can support you
Management of school requests on your behalf.
Examples of programmes you can support
Host a group of learners on a placement and set a task related to your business.
Host a learner on an externship as part of our Supported Internship programme.
In addition, to these programmes, there are many ways that employers and employees can volunteer their time to support our activities. Sign up for our volunteer emails, or if you are in the Chesterfield area, take a look at Destination Chesterfield’s Engage with schools and colleges page.