NESTA is commissioning Future Foundations to test a new model of employer engagement in sectors that reflect particular features of the future working environment.  The aim is to develop a new model for work related learning which is created and managed by young people, actioned by young people and helping young third sector organisations. You can read more about the project on NESTA's site here, and one of the entrepreneurs' reaction to the launch event on his blog here.  

The model encourages university students and school pupils to work together in flexible project teams. 

Key elements of the pilot:

• First and second year university students hire teams of sixth formers to manage peers and GCSE students to complete projects for third sector organisations from schools and/or colleges.
• Projects fit need: project teams can be cross‐school and work remotely; they can be undertaken by an individual
• Service learning – the students learn how to set up their own third sector organisation, and then put into practice the theory by running as a non‐profit organisation with volunteers from local schools.
• Projects are managed on an online platform. Organisations evaluate project performance, pupils give feedback on organisations, students feedback on the individuals in their team. This is one of three pilots commissioned as part of the Future World of Work portfolio.

The key outcomes from the overall portfolio are:

• Demonstrate how WRL can provide young people with the opportunity to develop skills for innovation.
• To establish a proven model(s) for delivering effective and sustainable WRL opportunities that is relevant to the needs of both young people and the future economy and society.
• A greater understanding and evidence base of the key features of the future economy and society that will utilise skills for innovation. 

Future Foundations are working in partnership with the following organisations on this programme:        

 The key outputs from the overall portfolio are:

• Influence on WRL policy and delivery.
• Models that can be rolled-out across the UK at different levels (e.g. aspects of the models or the whole model).
• Innovative WRL approaches that lend themselves to strong sustainable links with employers.
• A sustainable model of WRL. 

NESTA recently commissioned three studies looking at how organisations and businesses in different sectors can engage more effectively with education.

The sectors they focussed on were the rural economy, the third sector and the creative industries (the latter commissioned in partnership with the Make Your Mark campaign) – chosen because they believe they have characteristics that will be typical of the future economy.

The studies challenge traditional approaches to work-related learning and examine models of engagement between 14-19 year olds and organisations that provide opportunities for young people to develop some of the skills necessary to succeed in the future.

They have also been able to identify a number of case studies which highlight some of the key benefits for those participating: young people, schools and colleges, businesses and third sector employers.

The full reports will be published on this site at the beginning of September.  The third sector report summary is inserted below.