Every pupil. Every future. Work experience for all.

Great Yarmouth Charter Academy is delighted to celebrate a major milestone in our careers and personal development programme: for the second year in a row, every pupil was invited to take part in a face-to-face work experience placement.

Across the week, pupils stepped into workplaces, training and professional settings across Norfolk, gaining first-hand experience of the world beyond school. From education, healthcare, hospitality and heritage, to construction, retail, engineering, creative industries and public services, our pupils had the opportunity to meet employers, ask questions, build confidence and begin to imagine the next steps in their future.

This year’s programme was especially powerful because of the strength of local collaboration. A key highlight was the unique IntoUniversity Great Yarmouth programme, which brought together a range of employers and providers to support pupils with industry insight, employability skills and progression routes. Pupils explored sectors including graphic design, law, pharmaceutical science, insurance and finance, with valuable off-site visits to UEA and Aviva.

The partnership showed what is possible when schools, charities, universities and employers work together with one shared aim- to open doors for young people. Pupils were able to see the opportunities available locally and regionally, and understand how their education can connect to employment, apprenticeships, university and training.

Pupil feedback captured the impact of the week:

“The business task made me more confident in public speaking.”

“It was great to meet and work with people at Aviva.”

“The main skill I developed is communication.”

“I have enjoyed working in a team.”

These comments reflect exactly why face-to-face work experience matters. It is not just about visiting a workplace; it is about pupils discovering new strengths, developing independence, learning how to communicate professionally and seeing themselves as part of the future workforce.

We are incredibly proud of the way our pupils represented the academy. Employers commented on pupils’ teamwork and willingness to learn. For many pupils, the week confirmed existing ambitions; for others, it introduced careers and pathways they had not previously considered.

We would like to thank every employer, provider and partner who made this possible. Your encouragement have helped our pupils take an important step towards their futures.

Most importantly, we congratulate our pupils. Every placement, every conversation and every new experience have helped build their ambition.

For the second year running, every pupil had the opportunity to experience the world of work face to face, and we could not be prouder.