Equitable innovation in action
Today marks the Spring Equinox and the beginning of astronomical spring: a moment of balance, renewal, and new beginnings. An appropriate time for Equinox partners to come together to explore how we can better support young people across the region, particularly in relation to skills and work experience
Hosted by the Innovation and AI team at Blenheim Palace, Equinox was joined by the River Learning Trust, and Oxfordshire Youth for what was a positive and constructive roundtable discussion. Ark-T will join the group as it moves forward.
One of the ideas the group explored was how to improve the inclusivity and value of work experience for both young people and employers.
While work experience is a vital bridge between education and employment, it can often feel unclear or difficult to navigate. Young people may lack confidence or access, while employers are not always sure what “good” looks like or how to offer placements that are beneficial for all involved.
By combining expertise across organisations, there is a real opportunity to make a difference:
Building on Blenheim Palace’s existing experience and expertise in this area (within the Innovation and AI team)
Integrating youth voice insight from Oxfordshire Youth to make provision more inclusive, accessible, and skills-focused
Drawing on River Learning Trust’s knowledge on what schools and young people need
Using Equinox as a route to strengthen employer engagement — currently a major barrier, but one that can be improved through clearer support on what “good” looks like.
Partners are exploring the development of shared guidance, recommendations, and a practical framework to support high-quality, inclusive work experience that benefits everyone involved.
Bridget Holligan, Community Engagement Manager for Equinox said: “Equinox is about bringing partners together to tackle systemic barriers and create practical solutions. If we want work experience to truly deliver, we need to design it so it works for every young person and every employer.”
The group also discussed the wider challenge of inequality, particularly the digital divide across the county, and its impact on the skills agenda.
For more information please contact Bridget Holligan, Community Engagement Manager, Equinox