Smithdon Students Get Real-World Work Experience

Tomorrow’s workforce got a taste of the world of employment when they took part in a week’s work experience.

The Year 10 students from Smithdon High School in Hunstanton chose a range of different professions to sample, with some travelling as far afield as Gloucester, Milton Keynes, and the West Midlands for their placements, while others stayed closer to home.

“Each student is given a work contract, which they have to sign before they attend their placement,” explained Smithdon Careers Lead, Sam Fairweather, who organises Work Experience Week. “This gives them details of working hours (start and finish times and breaks), uniform, and an outline of the tasks they will be undertaking, along with a risk assessment.

“There is a real range of companies involved, and each student replicates the role of the employee they are working with. Some students in larger companies were given the opportunity to work with different departments each day within the same company, whilst others working with sole traders got a real taste of what employment in that industry really entails.”

Among the companies offering placements were Henrys, Oasis, SilverSands, Snettisham Farm Park, the YMCA, the RSPCA Shop, and Flemmings, along with Searles, Palm Papers, and a number of hotels, cafes, restaurants, and schools in the area.

“I think every local primary school had some new classroom assistants, helping the younger students with their learning,” continued Miss Fairweather. “We had students in local cafes, restaurants and hotels, learning how the hospitality industry works.

“Searles are always very supportive and took 15 of our students across a huge range of departments, including events, leisure and hospitality, grounds and maintenance, at both the Searles Hunstanton and Heacham Manor site.

“We had students at Palm Papers working on the CHP and steam raising systems, plumbers, electricians, and landscape gardeners.”

The work experience students were also supported by Year 10 Form Tutors Jamie Tilley, Head of PE; Andrew Corder, Head of History; Science Teacher Veronica Soper; and Maths Teacher Sam Plant; as well as Amanda Gibbins, Headteacher at Smithdon, which is part of the West Norfolk Academies Trust.

“Work experience is more than just a week away from the classroom,” added Miss Fairweather. “It’s a vital opportunity  to prepare for the future. Whether students are aiming for university, an apprenticeship, or going straight into the workforce, hands-on experience in a real job setting provides invaluable lessons that go far beyond textbooks.

“Work experience helps students develop key employability skills, such as communication, teamwork, time management, and problem solving. It also gives them a taste of what different careers are really like, helping them make more informed decisions about their future paths. For many, it’s the first step in discovering  what kind of work they enjoy – or don’t.

“Ultimately, work experience gives students confidence to step outside their comfort zone and see what lies beyond the school gate. It’s a valuable part of education that helps turn ambition into direction, and gives young people a stronger start in life.”