Gatsby Benchmark 5
Encounters with employers and employees
Multiple meaningful encounters with employers every year, including talks, mentoring, enterprise and careers fairs.
Last reviewed 2026-09-30
What Shine records for Benchmark 5
- Employer talks, workshops, mentoring, careers fairs and enterprise activities are logged and tagged to Benchmark 5.
- Learners add reflections, which help show an encounter was meaningful.
- Learners can find and apply for live roles on Shine, including roles posted by employers directly.
What still needs your team
Organising the encounters, and the relationships with local employers, remain your job. Shine records them and does not guarantee an employer visit.
Questions about Benchmark 5
How do I evidence Gatsby Benchmark 5?
Record each employer encounter per learner, with the type of activity and a learner reflection that shows it was meaningful. Shine tags these activities to Benchmark 5 and reports coverage.
What makes an employer encounter meaningful?
Gatsby's guidance centres on learners having the chance to learn about work, the skills employers value and routes in, not just attending. A short learner reflection helps show that.
Can learners log encounters themselves?
Yes. Learners log activities and staff verify or adjust them.
Does Shine arrange employer talks?
No. Shine records and reports encounters. It does not book employer speakers.
Benchmark wording follows Gatsby's November 2024 update. Check the official Gatsby Benchmarks site for full criteria.
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