What do you do if you have too many students and too few places for them to do work experience?

You build a fully immersive simulator, of course.

Budding professionals at Plaistow’s Lister Community School, in St Mary’s Road, is set to enjoy a week with the LifeSkills Pod – the world’s first work experience simulator, created with Barclay’s bank – to give them a taste of life in employment.

Simon Beck, assistant head teacher, said there is a “worrying shortfall” of experience opportunities in the country and that he welcomed the simulator, which he said would benefit his students.

“We need to be creative and innovative in the ways we offer young people the chance to gain an insight into the workplace,” he said.

“It is imperative that we prepare our young people for the world of work as it continues to evolve.”

The pod was first installed in the school today and pupils have the chance to enter its virtual world of work up until Wednesday next week.

During the pod’s launch its ambassador, spoken word artist George the Poet, attended the school to recite some wise words.

“It’s really important that young people are given different opportunities that help them gain the transferrable skills needed for future work,” the Cambridge graduate said.

“The world of work is changing – so more needs to be done to ensure they are equipped with the skills businesses are looking for.”