The vast array of career routes in the heritage sector were at the forefront of a major two-day conference held at East Norfolk Sixth Form College (EN) on the 2nd and 3rd March 2022. Supported by funding from Historic England and in partnership with the Great Yarmouth High Street Heritage Action Zone scheme, over 700 students from EN and local primary and secondary schools took part in over 40 different activities ranging from willow weaving and stone masonry to boat building and heritage art. Students also attended talks and workshops covering a wide range of careers in the heritage sector and local heritage and renovation projects. There were also a number of universities from across the UK on hand to advise and inspire students about the opportunities open to them. Great Yarmouth Borough Council run the High Street Heritage Action Zone in partnership, with Historic England and Great Yarmouth Preservation Trust. It involves local people in repairing, conserving and building a better understanding of the area’s historic buildings and sites. This supports regeneration and recovery, conserving buildings and creating new facilities and giving people new skills. The Great Yarmouth HSHAZ is a 4-year project with a theme of skills and employability, being highlighted and promoted through the various works and heritage projects taking place across the borough. These include training in traditional craft and construction skills, heritage research and development of critical skills with an emphasis on employment opportunities. As a HSHAZ community engagement partner, EN recognised the scheme as an excellent way to improve opportunities for work experience, future employment, apprenticeships and education. EN Deputy Principal, Dr Simon Fox, said “When we heard about the opportunity to get involved in the project and lead on the production of a completely new Heritage Careers conference for Great Yarmouth, we were really excited. We are incredibly passionate about our local area and community and we recognise the pivotal role heritage plays in Great Yarmouth and Gorleston. The conference seemed the ideal way to promote that appreciation, get more young people interested in careers in the heritage sector and celebrate the amazing skills and trades which could too easily be forgotten.” Joe Warburton, East of England High Street Heritage Action Zone Project Officer, Historic England said: “This was such a fantastic and engaging event. It was wonderful for my Historic England colleagues and I to chat to so many students about our work and to answer questions. Inspiring interest in craft skills and developing opportunities for heritage careers is an important part of the Great Yarmouth High Street Heritage Action Zone. We really feel that spark has been ignited at this conference and we’re delighted to see that there are more events planned.” Cllr Carl Smith, leader of Great Yarmouth Borough Council, said: “This was a great opportunity for young people to hear all about the wide range of careers available in the heritage sector. Thanks to Historic England and the support and funding we receive from them regarding our High Street Heritage Action Zone area, Great Yarmouth has plenty of exciting projects to be a part of until the scheme ends in 2024.” Students taking part in the activities thoroughly enjoyed the experience and were really appreciative of the opportunities on offer and the generous time that the various exhibitors committed to the event. The feedback reflected the core aims of the conference. To inspire, excite and enthuse young people about heritage careers. “It’s been amazing! I’ve always wanted to give woodcarving a go but have never had the opportunity to try it so I’m really excited to be able to have a go now and get stuck in and try something new! I think this could become a new hobby for the future!” “We listened to the Careers in History talk and it was really interesting! We heard about preserving our heritage, careers and how history is all around us, it’s inspired me to have a look into some different careers I haven’t thought about before.”
