PRIMARY school pupils in Ellesmere Port have been getting a taste of what it would be like to work in the emergency services or the army.

Year five and six pupils from five schools in the town learned more about the job of a uniformed public servant at a first Raising Aspirations Project event at Cheshire College in Ellesmere Port. Children from three primary schools have also been learning about the environmental sector.

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s 'Raising Aspirations' project is part of the Building Futures scheme in the Port. It aims to instil career ambitions in youngsters in the borough by introducing them to real life workplaces and professionals.

It is complemented by classroom activities which focus on exploring life in the workplace in more depth.

Mark Parkinson, director of education at the council, said: “The event introduced pupils to a range of jobs to inspire them in later life and instil future career ambitions. The sessions helped to develop their understanding about the type of skills they would need to succeed in their chosen career.

“The uniformed public servants delivered hands-on sessions to show the work they do, why it is important and explained which skills and education route the children would need to take to get into this type of work.

“It was held in a college environment. This helped them become more familiar with a further education setting so that post 16 education would be less daunting and more appealing.”

The event was held over two mornings and highlights included:

  • The fire service bringing their fire engine on both days to explain the range of jobs they do.
  • The army showing examples of equipment they use when on exercises and a selection of food they warm up.
  • The police presenting a mock crime scene, which the pupils helped solve by using clues.
  • The college students setting a problem solving activity, which pupils solved in teams, illustrating the skills needed in the public service.

One pupil who attended the event said: “I enjoyed my day because I learnt new skills and it made me think about my future job. I want to be a chef and maybe I could do that in the armed forces.”

The Raising Aspirations Project will become even more beneficial to young people if other industries or colleges are willing to offer their support by introducing the children to the world of further education and employment. To register interest, contact Janet Kolita on janet.kolita@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk