* From September this year, work-related learning becomes statutory for all pupils at key stage 4
* Until now, about 70 per cent of under-16s go on work experience, usually for two weeks towards the end of the summer term
* Just under half of all placements are organised by outside agencies. The Trident Trust organises around 130,000 placements a year; education business partnerships about 350,000
* Work experience is funded by the DfES to the tune of about pound;35 million, which works out at between pound;17 and pound;23 a head
* Managing “expectation” is important. One girl was disappointed when her work with a vet finished without her having operated on any animals
