Top UK Employer Workplace Visits for SEND & FSM Students
Real-world career experiences with top UK employers — now booking for the 2024–25 school year
We’re excited to offer SEND and FSM students the chance to take part in off-site, hands-on workplace visits with three major national employers. Each experience is fully supported by Ductu and designed to build confidence, develop essential skills, and inspire real career aspirations — without adding pressure to your teaching team.
Why your school should take part
✅ Supports Gatsby Benchmarks 5 & 6
✅ Tailored to SEND and FSM students
✅ Off-site, immersive learning in real workplaces
✅Managed and facilitated by Ductu
Meet The Employers
Get ready for an exciting, two-hour adventure at Swizzels Matlow for a fun-filled and educational visit! Your day will kick off with a fascinating overview of this legendary sweet company, where you’ll learn about the history behind Swizzels and see how they make all your favourite sweets.
Discover the wide variety of job roles that make the magic happen, from product creators to sweet experts. Then, roll up your sleeves and dive into an interactive sherbet-making activity – a hands-on experience where you can create your own fizzy, fun treat to take home! With plenty of excitement packed into these two hours, it’s a visit you’ll remember for a long time!
Take part in a hands-on workplace visit to one of the UK’s best-known health and wellness shops. You’ll get a feel for what it’s like to work in retail and have a go at some real shop-floor activities in a calm, friendly environment.
What students will do:
-
Stock the Shelf Challenge – organise products by size, colour or type
-
Customer Service Role-Play – practise speaking with customers using simple phrases
-
Display Design – make eye-catching price tags and posters for a product display
This experience is all about having a go, building confidence, and learning by doing — with support every step of the way.
Take a behind-the-scenes look at one of the UK’s most popular restaurants and discover what it’s like to work in the world of hospitality. From setting tables to creating your own dish, this visit is all about trying new things in a fun, supportive environment.
What students will do:
-
Table Relay Challenge – race to lay a perfect table using plates, cutlery, and napkins
-
Design-a-Dish – create your own dream meal and think about ingredients and presentation
-
Hospitality Dress-Up –Try on chef whites, server uniforms, and more in this fun dress-up activity. It’s the first step in understanding the importance of presentation and first impressions in the industry.
You’ll meet the team, tour the venue, and see how restaurants run – with support and encouragement every step of the way.
Forming employer connections whilst still in school
Why Workplace Visits Matter
Research shows that students who engage with employers during school are more likely to succeed in their careers. However, organising meaningful workplace experiences can be time-consuming and difficult for schools. That’s where we come in.
Ductu connects schools with employers to create high-impact, real-world career experiences for students. Our programs ensure that students with SEND and FSM backgrounds have access to hands-on career learning with well-known employers such as Hobbycraft, Ford, British Red Cross, RAC, British Gas, Village Hotels and many more. Our network of big brands is nationwide, meaning there are thousands of work placement opportunities for SEND students available across the UK.
✅ Real-world career exposure with top employers
✅ Easy implementation – No extra work for your teams
✅ Proven impact – Helping students make informed career choices
