Throughout the day pupils from Ryders Hayes Primary School in Pelsall were able to ‘have a go’ using the latest technology equipment including drone surveying, VR Imagineering of Building Designs, ground penetrating radar and floating houses. The aim of the day was to introduce pupils to the construction industry and explore the skills they might need to develop for careers in this sector in 2030 as well as to encourage Primary pupils to explore a range of jobs and sectors they otherwise might not consider.

The Careers 2030 project, funded by The Careers & Enterprise Company, aims to build on the already successful Secondary School programmes delivered by the Black Country Skills Factory, the Black Country Careers Hub and the Enterprise Adviser Network. The Careers 2030 project will deliver 10 events covering 8 sectors across the academic year, this is the second event to-date with the first focusing on public sector employment.

Colin Parker, Skills Director at Black Country Consortium Ltd, said: “It is becoming increasingly important to ensure that, from a young age, pupils are given greater access to meaningful encounters with employers and experiences of the workplace, to help inspire, motivate and enthuse them. The Black Country LEP are delighted to be working with our partners, Ryders Hayes School, Wolverhampton University and Dudley College to deliver this construction focused event offering young people a real insight into what careers in this sector could look like in 2030.”

Nicki Harris, Careers 2030 Project Officer added: “It is vital to allow children to make informed decisions and to broaden their horizons by exposing them to a range of hands on activities across a range of sectors. We are working closely with our partners to ensure the children experience the very latest technology, of which will be the norm in 2030.

“Our partners include colleges, universities, local employers and employees from all sectors. We are also aiming to deliver each event in a unique way, one that is successful and sustainable for other schools and children to benefit from in years to come.”

Nicki continued: “It is a wonderful thing being able to watch how enthusiastic the children are and what they take from each event is truly remarkable. Raising aspirations and challenging stereo types is critical and the impact this project will have on children from years 3 to 6 is amazing.”

Sally Miner, Head Teacher Ryders Hayes School, said: “The impact that a day like this can have on primary pupils should not be under-estimated. To have a hands-on experience; to talk to people leading in the sector and to be able to literally see what working in this industry will look like in ten years time is a great motivator, as part of a comprehensive careers curriculum, which begins for our children at age five, and is designed to inspire them to develop the skills they need for the world of work.

“None of this would have been possible without the expertise and support of the Black Country Skills Factory.”