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 ten events covering eight sectors across the academic year.

At this first event pupils were introduced to public sector jobs within the RAF and the NHS exploring developments in technology in these sectors from cyber security to 3D X-rays. The event aimed to inspire primary pupils and challenge stereotypes, exploring the skills they might need to develop for careers in this sector. Working with employers the pupils created presentations with their thoughts on future careers and skills which they shared with the whole group and invited parents at the end of the day.

Colin Parker, Skills Director at Black Country Consortium Ltd, said: “We are very excited to be working with The Careers & Enterprise Company, our local primary schools and employers on the Careers 2030 project.

“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 and this first event at Ryders Hayes School marks the start of what we hope will be a successful project for both the young people involved and the employers planning for their future workforce.”

Sally Miner, Head Teacher at Ryders Hayes School added: “This funding for the Careers 2030 project is fantastic news for our pupils, and pupils across the Black Country, and we are delighted to be working in partnership with the Black Country LEP and employers across the area to develop a clear and innovative programme of careers education.

“We are committed to ensuring our young people have the skills and knowledge for the careers of the future and this first event has been a fantastic learning experience for our Year 6, giving them a real view on what employment in the public sector might look like in 2030 and the skills they will need for these kinds of roles.”