'The focus is to raise aspiration' -over 300 South Ribble youngsters get first look at the world of work

Hundreds of Year 6 pupils from across South Ribble were given the chance to explore their future at a careers fair held at Hutton Grammar School last week.

Recognising the importance of developing young people’s aspiration, three local headteachers organised a WRIST Careers Fayre at Hutton Grammar on Friday, September 25.

In attendance were 350 Year 6 pupils from eight different primary schools: Penwortham Broad Oak Primary School, St Mary Magdelen Catholic Primary School, Lostock Hall Community Primary School, Our Lady and St Gerards Catholic Primary School, Longton Primary School, New Longton All Saints Primary School, St Stephens Primary School and Tarleton Community Primary.

The event was organised by the headteachers from Penwortham Broad Oak Primary, St Mary Magdalen’s CPS and Our Lady and St Gerards Catholic Primary School as part of the enrichment work of WRIST .

WRIST is a group of 18 local primary schools in the South Ribble area that work together, predominantly for staff training and pupil enrichment activities, to improve lives for all of our children in the local area.

Claire McKinnon, the headteacher at St Mary Magdalen said: "It seems very young to be talking about careers to 10/11 year olds, but the focus is to raise aspiration and give purpose to young people - effectively giving an end goal to their education, whether that be at 16, 18 or beyond."

Organisers say the event was “a huge success” for the 350 pupils who had the opportunity to learn more about the different careers available in many industries

Twelve companies were represented at the fair with employees giving their day to talk to pupils about their job, their career and opportunities for others moving forward.

These companies included Lancashire Police, the Ambulance Service, BAE, Leyland Trucks, Local Government- Penwortham Town Council, Liverpool FC, South Ribble Sports Partnership, a local school and HM Prison and Probation Service.

The Year 6 pupils heard first-hand how the subjects and skills that they are learning in primary school will be transferable into the workplace.

Sylvie Millhouse, a year 6 pupil from Penwortham Broad Oak Primary School said " I really enjoyed the careers fair. It was fascinating learning about other people’s jobs and it made me wonder about which jobs I would like to do when I am older."

Organisers Mrs Barton, Mrs McKinnon and Miss Harvey hope the proposed annual event will have an impact for many years to come for the pupils attending through an understanding of how our education and engagement in school forms our future.