Tourism and culture

• Tourism has been one of the hardest hit sectors by the pandemic with international tourism much lower than usual; however, the sector is bouncing back and technology and data will play a large part in this. 
• Around 61,000 people work in tourism and culture.  In Norfolk we can expect to see accommodation grow and the creation of new tourist attractions. These will offer year-round skilled careers, moving away from the seasonal work typically associated with this industry. 
• Digital technologies such as online apps and virtual tours means roles such as digital marketer, web designer and social media manager are growing in this sector.
• Conservation, sustainability, and heritage roles are important for the future; employers are playing an increasing role in reducing the UK’s carbon footprint and minimising damage to the environment. 
• Did you know that a very high number of people involved in the arts, such as actor and artist, are self-employed? 
• Cultural activities such as music, street art or food and drink festivals can be a good source of volunteering or temporary work which could lead to a new and exciting career!

• Planning & organisation
• Listening
• Speaking
• Emotional intelligence
• Resilience
• Leadership
• Customer awareness
• Creativity
• Digital skills
• Problem solving
• Teamwork
• Languages

• Business studies
• English
• Languages
• Drama
• Music
• ICT
• History
• Sociology
• Art & design
• Psychology
• Religious studies
• Maths

• BeWILDerwood 
• Snetterton Circuit 
• Sea Life Centres in Great Yarmouth and Hunstanton 
• Haven 
• Norwich Castle 
• National Trust 
• Norwich City Football Club 
• Sandringham Estate 
• Richardson’s Boating Holidays 
• Searles Leisure Resort & many other caravan parks 
• The Broads Authority 
• Norwich Theatre Royal and other theatres across the county 
• Holkham Hall

Travel consultant                                  £18,000-£27,000

Photographer                                        £19,600-£34,250+

Exhibition organiser                              £20,150-£31,150+

Web designer                                        £22,000-£40,050+

Public relations professional                 £22,000-£36,700+

Marketing associate professional          £22,450-£77,400

Museum curator                                     £26,000-£40,000

(figures from the Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2021)

Getting good grades in English and maths can help you to get into this sector; art and design, digital skills and the performing arts may also help depending on the career you are interested in.

Options at 16

A levels – many subjects are useful in this sector, it depends on the type of role you’re interested in. Researching a variety of jobs and careers will help you choose the best subjects for you.  

Apprenticeship An apprenticeship can be a good way to get a foot on the ladder. Examples include:

Intermediate apprenticeship (level 2) 

• Aviation customer service operative 
• Hospitality team member
• Maritime mechanic

Advanced apprenticeship (level 3)

• Travel consultant
• Hospitality supervisor
• Creative venue technician
• Museum and galleries technician
• Cultural learning and participation officer
• Junior content producer
• Digital marketer
• Live event rigger

Vocational qualifications- in areas such as travel and tourism, sport and outdoor activities, subjects such as business studies and the performing arts can lead to careers in this sector; there are also qualifications leading to technical roles such as sound and lighting technician.

Options at 18 or 19

Undergraduate degree -  Graduates from any discipline can apply for roles in this sector but there are some jobs which require specific qualifications such as sound or lighting engineer, curator, web developer, and IT systems architect. Many large employers run graduate schemes for management roles.

Apprenticeship - Apprenticeships for roles in this sector include: • 

• Hospitality manager (level 4) 
• Software developer (level 4) 
• Countryside ranger (level 4) 
• Curator (level 7) 
• Cultural heritage conservator (level 7 degree apprenticeship) 
• Historic environment adviser (level 7) 
• Archaeological specialist (level 7 degree apprenticeship) 
• Sustainability business specialist (level 7 degree apprenticeship) 

Competition can be high for some apprenticeships – check entry requirements carefully. 

Gaining experience

Work experience, a paid job or voluntary work will allow you to demonstrate your skills and qualities. Look out for local cultural or leisure events which may be able to offer work experience or volunteering positions.