The growing business case for virtual work experience 

Sam Hyams at Springpod explains why businesses should take note of the growing evidence that virtual work experience is highly beneficial for businesses and young people

 

New research reveals the significant impact virtual work experience (VWEX) has on students, employers and wider society.

 

Our recent whitepaper puts hard numbers behind what many businesses have suspected: VWEX isn’t just a way to engage future talent, it delivers measurable social and economic value. According to the report, VWEX delivered through Springpod has generated an astounding £98 million in social impact since 2022.

 

That’s not just a feel-good figure. It’s a powerful financial metric that demonstrates how businesses investing in work experience can create tangible, lasting change, both for young people and for their own social impact initiatives and recruitment pipelines.

 

But what does this mean for employers? And why should businesses, whether running their own initiatives or partnering with platforms like Springpod, pay attention to these findings?

 

 

A crisis of access: 64% left behind

One of the most striking statistics uncovered in the research is that only 36% of young people leave school with completed work experience. That’s over two thirds of the future workforce stepping into the world of employment without even a glimpse of what a professional environment looks like.

 

For businesses, this represents a massive missed opportunity. Without exposure to real workplace scenarios, students from underprivileged backgrounds are often at a disadvantage compared to peers who have industry connections or the means to access in-person placements. This deepens social inequality and restricts talent pipelines, especially at a time when businesses are struggling to recruit and retain diverse talent.

 

A lack of experience also contributes to long-term employment challenges. Without workplace exposure, young people can struggle with confidence, professional communication, and understanding career pathways. This can lead to higher youth unemployment rates, particularly in disadvantaged communities. Employers have a key role to play in reversing this trend, and VWEX offers one of the most scalable solutions available today.

 

 

Virtual work experience: more than a ‘nice-to-have’

VWEX bridges this gap, providing students with access to high-quality, meaningful work experience, no matter where they live or what their circumstances may be. VWEX not only benefits students but actively increases employer engagement with future talent pools, strengthening long-term brand loyalty.

 

Employers who invest in VWEX are better positioned to attract diverse talent and are more likely to be recognised as leaders in social impact. As businesses increasingly compete for skilled workers, early engagement through VWEX ensures they remain top-of-mind when students enter the workforce.

 

But the benefits go beyond recruitment. Companies that invest in social impact initiatives like VWEX also see improved brand reputation, stronger relationships with schools and communities, and better alignment with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals. In an era where corporate purpose is under scrutiny, demonstrating a commitment to social mobility can differentiate businesses from their competitors.

 

 

Measuring social impact

Historically, measuring the social impact of work experience programmes has been difficult. Employers may know they’re making a difference but quantifying that impact in a meaningful way has been a challenge.

 

Our latest whitepaper introduces an open-source methodology that enables any business, whether running a VWEX programme through Springpod or an in-house initiative, to accurately measure its Social Return on Investment (SROI).

 

By making this methodology freely available, we are helping businesses move beyond anecdotal success stories and into data-driven impact measurement. Employers can now calculate the real-world value of their initiatives, demonstrating the tangible benefits of their efforts to investors, leadership teams, and stakeholders.

 

This shift is significant. Companies that can prove the ROI of their social impact initiatives are better equipped to attract funding, meet ESG targets, and position themselves as industry leaders in talent development. The numbers are astounding. Barclays has generated more than £6 million pounds of impact and, for every pound aerospace company, Airbus, has invested in its VWEX programme, it has generated a return of £63.20 in social impact. 

 

 

Why this matters more than ever

With corporate social responsibility (CSR) under increasing scrutiny, businesses are expected to demonstrate real, measurable contributions to social mobility and workforce development. ESG reporting is no longer just a compliance exercise, it’s a critical factor influencing investor decisions, brand reputation, and talent acquisition.

 

But beyond compliance, there’s a wider economic imperative. The UK faces an ongoing skills gap, particularly in industries like engineering, healthcare, and technology. Employers that engage early with students through VWEX are helping to develop future talent pipelines from diverse backgrounds, ensuring young people are aware of career opportunities and equipped with the skills needed for success.

 

These findings offer businesses a way to quantify their social impact in a way that’s recognised and respected. Whether companies are delivering work experience digitally or in person, having a robust measurement framework ensures they can track success, refine their approach, and report back with confidence.

 

 

The call to action for employers

The research makes one thing clear: the opportunity for businesses is huge. Whether a company is already running a VWEX programme or considering launching one, the ability to measure and communicate its impact has never been easier—or more important.

 

Companies that take this seriously won’t just be seen as socially responsible. They’ll be leading the way in building a more diverse, skilled, and work-ready future workforce.

 

And ultimately, this isn’t just about students or schools; it’s about business success. Employers who engage with young people early future-proof their workforce, create brand advocates, and contribute to a more equitable job market.

 

The question is no longer should businesses invest in work experience. The question is: Can they afford not to?

 

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Sam Hyams is CEO of virtual work experience platform, Springpod. Since Springpod started in 2016, the platform has been used by more than 620,000 young people. Their recent project with the Careers and Enterprise Company is a good example of how online experiences can break down barriers.

 

Main image courtesy of iStockPhoto.com and Daniel Balakov