Year 10 pupils discover unique talents in a UEA workshop on communication and career choices

As pupils enter their final years of secondary school, the pressure to make future career choices and navigate the world of work can feel overwhelming. To help pupils prepare for the journey ahead, Great Yarmouth Charter Academy have teamed up with the University of East Anglia to organise a workshop for Year 10 pupils on communication in the workplace and career choices beyond GCSE.

The workshop provided pupils with valuable insights into the skills and attributes required to succeed in the modern workplace, including effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. pupils also explored the different options available to them after GCSEs, including higher education, apprenticeships, and employment, as well as interview practice for their first work experience placement and college interview.

The workshop was led by experienced professionals from various industries, who shared their knowledge and expertise with the pupils to gain a better understanding of the diverse and exciting career paths available to them and to equip them with the skills and confidence they need to achieve their goals.

In addition to the practical skills and knowledge gained from the workshop, pupils have the opportunity to network with professionals on the programme from different industries and ask questions about their areas of interest. This will help them to develop a clearer picture of the kind of career they want to pursue and the steps they need to take to get there.

Howard Wyatt, Careers Lead at Great Yarmouth Charter Academy, said:

"I am thrilled to announce that every pupil at Great Yarmouth Charter Academy will have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience through our partnerships with local businesses and providers such as UEA’s ‘Into University’ project and Barclay's Bank Life Skills programme. This will be an incredible opportunity for our Year 10 pupils to gain practical skills and knowledge in the first week of July, and to explore different career paths as they prepare for their future."

The series of workshops promises to be an engaging and informative event for Year 10 pupils, providing them with valuable insights into the world of work and the career choices available to them. As part of their ongoing preparation for the world of work and higher education, Year 10 pupils will also have the opportunity to work with university postgraduates on writing personal statements and developing entrepreneurial skills. These skills will be invaluable to them as they prepare for their first careers, and will equip them with transferable skills that can be applied across a range of industries and sectors. They will learn how to articulate their strengths and experiences to potential employers or university admissions officers to help them stand out from their peers and achieve their goals.

Great Yarmouth Charter Academy is committed to providing pupils with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen careers and to make a positive contribution to society. These workshops and activities are just one example of the school's careers programme to support pupils in their personal, academic, and professional development, and to help them become confident and capable young adults.

If you belong to an organisation that would like to help come on board with the school and continue to ensure every pupil gets a fantastic experience of potential careers in the region- please do not hesitate to contact the school at office@gyca.org.uk.