From Classroom to Career: Smithdon High School Students Embark on Nationwide Work Experience Adventure

High school students from Smithdon High School in Hunstanton took a significant step towards their future careers by participating in a work experience week that saw them exploring various professions across the country.

Year 10 students were placed with a diverse range of businesses, including local favorites like Henry’s fish and chip shop, Alive Oasis, and the Silver Sands pub in Heacham, as well as venturing as far as Gloucester and Milton Keynes to gain insights into different career paths.

Sam Fairweather, the careers lead at Smithdon High School, highlighted the breadth of opportunities available to the students: "Every local primary school had some new classroom assistants, helping the younger students with their learning. We had students in local cafes, restaurants, and hotels, learning how the hospitality industry works."

Searles played a pivotal role by hosting 15 students across various departments, including events, leisure, hospitality, grounds, and maintenance at both the Searles Hunstanton and Heacham Manor sites. Other students gained hands-on experience at Palm Paper, working on the combined heat and power plant and steam raising systems, alongside plumbers, electricians, and landscape gardeners.

Each student was given a contract outlining their working hours, uniform, tasks, and risk assessment, ensuring a professional and safe environment. "There is a real range of companies involved, and each student replicates the role of the employee they are working with," Miss Fairweather added.

The impact of work experience extends beyond the classroom, offering students a glimpse into their potential futures. "Work experience is more than just a week away from the classroom - it’s a vital opportunity to prepare for the future," Miss Fairweather emphasized. Whether aiming for university, an apprenticeship, or entering the workforce directly, the hands-on experience provides invaluable lessons that textbooks cannot.

The initiative not only helps students make informed career decisions but also builds confidence to step outside their comfort zones. "Ultimately, work experience gives students confidence to step outside their comfort zone and see what lies beyond the school gate," Miss Fairweather said. It’s a crucial part of education that transforms ambition into direction, offering young people a stronger start in life.