Teachers and employers realise that work experience should be more than just photocopying, answering phones, making the tea, and shadowing office-based staff to "learn about the world of work". The challenge is to ensure the experience is engaging for the student, and worthwhile. The British Science Association has been piloting ways to add value for students who have placements with STEM companies through the use of the CREST scheme as a framework for their experience. The author discusses the background to CREST and what it has to offer.