Liberata launches Virtual Work Experience with Springpod
We have launched our new Virtual Work Experience (VWEX) programme in partnership with Springpod. It provides young people and adults with flexible ways to explore careers and build practical skills through a realistic, online experience.
Virtual work experience is changing how people prepare for the world of work. It removes many of the barriers that can make in-person placements hard to access, such as location, travel costs, and limited local opportunities. VWEX offers a scalable alternative, while keeping the focus on what matters most: meaningful learning experiences and understanding how work happens in practice.
A recent UCAS report found that 97% of students believe work experience is important, yet only 39% had been able to gain any. The VWEX programme is designed to widen access and offer a structured experience that fits around study, caring responsibilities, or existing work.
Why we are launching VWEX
VWEX is a key part of our wider social value programme. It supports social mobility and diversity by removing geographic and financial barriers and providing opportunities open to many more people than a traditional placement can reach.
It also gives us a practical way to stay connected to participants over time. Over the next five years, many students who complete VWEX will move from school, college, or university into employment. Through Springpod, participants can stay connected and see relevant Liberata opportunities, including apprenticeships and early career roles, when they are ready to take their next step.
Furthering our commitment to CSR
The VWEX programme strengthens our wider Corporate Social Responsibility strategy by building sustainable partnerships and supporting the communities we operate in, as well as those further afield.
Broadening access and opportunity
VWEX can be accessed from anywhere, helping people in rural, coastal, or economically disadvantaged areas participate without having to travel or relocate. It also opens doors for learners who may not have personal networks, making work experience easier to find and giving them access to insights that might otherwise be out of reach.
Removing cost barriers
By making the programme virtual, we remove common costs associated with in-person placements, such as transport, work clothing, and lunches. This helps keep the opportunity accessible for families where those costs can be a real barrier.
Wider reach
A physical office can only host a small number of local students. A digital programme can engage hundreds of participants without reducing the quality of the learning experience.
Measurable reporting
Digital tracking allows us to understand who is taking part, participation uptake, and the programme’s impact to support our social value and CSR metrics.
Building digital-first skills
Participants build skills that are increasingly relevant across all sectors, including self-motivation, online communication, and digital literacy.
What participants will experience
The is designed to reflect real work and real services. Participants explore the full business partnership lifecycle, from winning contracts to providing high-quality services over time. Along the way, they will see the range of career paths available within Liberata and how different skills can fit into a modern organisation.
The programme has been developed using the input, knowledge, and experience of colleagues from across Liberata. Participants will watch filmed expert sessions covering key areas of the business, day-to-day work, career journeys within and outside Liberata, personal experience, and how the business is evolving.
Mentoring through the Ambassador Platform
VWEX also includes mentoring through our Ambassador Platform. This connects Liberata mentors with programme participants in a safe online environment, giving learners the opportunity to speak with our ambassadors and share insights into working life at Liberata and their career journey.
We will review the programme regularly to refresh and improve the participant experience over time and to give as many colleagues as possible the opportunity to contribute and share their stories.
How the VWEX works
The Liberata Virtual Work Experience programme is open to 14 to 19+ year olds in secondary schools (Year 10 to sixth form), further education colleges, young people not in education, employment, or training, looked-after children, care leavers, caregivers, and adults returning to the workplace.
The structure is straightforward and flexible:
- Flexible timing: approximately 8 to 10 hours of activity, completed at your own pace. You can pause and resume whenever it fits your schedule.
- Expert insights: videos led by Liberata professionals, giving a behind-the-scenes view of their roles.
- Real-world tasks: mock projects, quizzes, and mini activities to build skills and test knowledge.
- Mentoring: access to mentors through the Ambassador Platform in a safe online environment.
- Certificate: an official certificate from Liberata and Springpod on completion, suitable for a CV, personal statement, or apprenticeship application.
Sign up to the Liberata Virtual Work Experience Programme
