Over 200 youngsters from seven primary schools based in and around Chatteris experienced an interactive careers event this week.
Thought to be the only event of its kind in the country for children this age, this was the third year in a row that Eastern Education Group had created a ‘Skills Escalator Day’ that aims to introduce youngsters to the world of work.
The occasion was hosted by Eastern Education Group at their North Cambridgeshire Training Centre (NCTC) and the schools that came along were Kingsfield, Mepal and Witcham, Benwick, Cromwell, Glebelands, Lionel Walden and Thomas Eaton.
Organisations who created sessions for the kids included Cambridgeshire Constabulary, G’s Fresh, HSBC, Metalcraft, MJS Construction and the Royal Air Force.
Victoria Fiebelkorn is the organiser and Group Head of the Skills Escalator for the Eastern Education Group. She said: “To date, over five thousand children from 100’s of primary schools have attended these inspirational days across the region. Skills Escalator Days directly link school children with the world of work, to allow them to see and talk to people from industry to build in them a lifelong curiosity and passion for their future careers. Careers education in early primary school is very important – by the time a child is eight years old they have firmly embedded views about what they can and can’t do – so the more aspirations we can spark in them at a young age, the more informed they can be about their futures.
Megan Doyle is a teacher at Glebelands Primary School. Megan said: “This is my first experience of a Skills Escalator Day. The children really enjoyed themselves.”
Maya, 7, from Glebelands said: “I met the bank and the police. I’ve had a good time. It’s been interesting.”
Oliver, 6 from Cromwell school said: “I enjoyed working with G’s Fresh. Today has been amazing.”
John Rashley is the Health and Safety Manager for the MJS Group. John said: “I think the events are worthwhile and the youngsters seemed to enjoy it. We get involved as we want to support the local community and we want people to come into our industry. I think these events are fantastic.”
