Bedlington School Pupils Set Off Early for Work

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) June 8, 2009 -- In a unique programme entitled “what do I want to be when I grow up?”
pupils aged between 4 and 9 from Stead Lane First School in Bedlington took part in the school’s Enterprise Week where they learned about jobs ranging from cleaners to chefs and plumbers to pilots. The series of talks and visits was funded and coordinated by Wansbeck Education Enterprise Network (WEEN) in an effort to raise aspirations and provide realistic targets and goals to help the children plan their future career paths.

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Bedlington School Pupils Set Off Early for Work

The programme included employability related workshops by the Northumberland Education Business Partnership and visits to employers in the area including the construction company in Morpeth who are building the new Sanderson Arcade, Ashington’s Woodhorn Grange Hotel, Blyth fire station and RAF Boulmer.

Lindsey Dunn from the WEEN team coordinated all of the visits and was impressed at the way the businesses opened their doors to give the students a look at working life in their organisations. “Everyone has been fantastic and the children have come away from their visits with a fresh view on the world of enterprise and work,” said Lindsey.” The children and teachers have found it fascinating to learn what happens behind the scenes.”

The behind the scenes tours included a visit to RAF Boulmer in Northumberland where Pilot Officer Daisy Cannons showed the children around the base and let them sit in the cockpit of a Sea King Search and Rescue helicopter.

“It’s very important that our future generations know what the armed services do,” said Daisy. “At RAF Boulmer we value our community links and especially those with schools. The children have seen many jobs today including security staff, caterers, fire fighters and pilots; I hope that in ten years time some of the children will revisit RAF Boulmer as a career choice.

At Blyth, the children were given a tour of the fire station, a look around an appliance and they even saw how casualties are cut out from cars after an accident. Watch Manager Craig Ducat and his team pointed out the dangers of fire and the qualities needed to become a fire-fighter. “The children were very switched on about the dangers of fire and they all knew how to dial 999 in an emergency,” said Craig.

Ashington’s Woodhorn Grange Hotel demonstrated how their rooms were cleaned, how front of house operated and even helped the children in the kitchens with a school curry project. Deputy General Manager Linda Barron was impressed that the children had showed such an interest in the jobs on offer at the hotel. “They were all so enthusiastic and tried their hands at various jobs within the hotel,” she said.

The latest building project from Ashington also contributed to the children’s learning experience. Chris Fenwick, Project Manager of BAM Construction, who are building the town’s new Asda store ran a session with the reception class about the different jobs on a building site including architects, surveyors and painters.

The construction site of the new Sanderson’s Arcade at Morpeth also received a visit from the children where they met Centre Manager Debbie Anderson who showed them around the £32 million town centre development. Due to be completed Autumn/Winter this year it will house national retailers including M&S, Waterstones, Laura Ashley, Clarks, Fat Face, Yeoman's and New Look as well as local businesses including The Jeweller's Guild and Advanced Nutrition. Sanderson Arcade is being delivered by Morpeth II, a partnership of Ethel Austin Properties and Yorkshire based Dransfield Properties.

Debbie Anderson, Centre Manager for Sanderson Arcade, said: "The children were all really interested in the development and they have come up with some fantastic ideas for a mascot for Sanderson Arcade. We hope their visit to our site has helped their project come to life and we're looking forward to hearing about their ideas for designing their own shopping development."

Head teacher Andy Jones was delighted with the interest shown by his pupils during the visits. “Asking the children to think about what they want to be when they grow up at such an early age helps them to focus on their future career path and allows them to make the right educational choices to fulfil their aspirations,” he said. “This programme has been inspirational and I’d like to thank the WEEN team and all of the employers who have helped our students in their future career choices.”
Ends
Photo shows Children and staff with RAF Boulmer Team
Photo shows children with deputy general manager Linda Barron of Woodhorn Grange Hotel
Photo shows the children taking instruction from Blyth Fire Station staff
Photo shows the children at Sanderson’s Arcade with Debbie Anderson
Media Enquiries Contact Keith Newman of HIGHLIGHTS PUBLIC RELATIONS 07814 397951

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