Around 75 youngsters from Newmarket took part in one of the only careers events for primary school children in the country.
The ‘Skills Escalator Day (SED)’ saw local companies create short interactive sessions giving the youngsters a window into the world of work at an occasion hosted by Tattersalls.
Businesses included Challenges Abroad, HSBC, The National Horseracing Museum, Newmarket Equine Hospital, Suffolk Police and West Suffolk Council.
Schools who attended were Houldsworth Valley Primary, The Paddocks and a group from Priory Aspire in Thurston near Bury St Edmunds also joined the fun and informative day.
Since their inception, the SED’s have worked with over 5000 students and 100 businesses.
And according to organiser Victoria Fiebelkorn, the whole idea it to raise aspirations of all those who participate.
The Eastern Education Group Head of SED’s said: “It’s been a really inspiring and engaging event. We had a company called Challenges Abroad who were talking about global citizenship to enable the young people to learn about the rest of the world. And a vet came along with some real-life horses. We hope that by seeing it, the youngsters believe they can be it and we hope it has raised their future ambitions and aspirations.
“Thanks to Tattersalls for allowing us to use their iconic venue, the wonderful businesses who gave up their time for free and to all of the schools for their enthusiasm that they bring.”
Sarah Lister is a class teacher at Houldsworth Valley Primary School. Sarah said: “I think they (the SED’s) are good to get the children involved in real life and make them aware of careers and jobs they might do in the future. They are hands on and practical.”
Joyce, 7 from Houldsworth Valley. Joyce wants to be a vet when she gets older and said: “We learnt about new things and different jobs. It’s been amazing and an exciting day.” m/f
Joel Mcintosh is a universal banker who works for HSBC. He said: “We gave them a general sense of what goes on in a bank. I think these events are a very good idea.”
Amanda Thompson is the headteacher of The Paddocks: She said: “They are a great opportunity for the children to experience things that they can’t experience in a classroom and learn about careers. It’s good to open their eyes to other things. The events are inspiring.”
