Generating interest in careers
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PRIMARY pupils got a glimpse into their future working lives during a careers event at their school.
Anderson's hosted the three-day Developing Young Workforce (DYW) Week, featuring visits from employers and interactive stations designed to showcase options for employment after education.
Head teacher Ms Maureen Mooney felt her pupils benefited from the early introduction.
She said: "DYW Week was a perfect way to promote the Moray Skills Pathway and further develop partnerships with our parents and the community.
"It brought relevance and real life context to the skills-based learning that takes place in the classroom and raised awareness of the different career options open to our young learners."
The event involved the whole school from P1 to P7, as well as parents and carers.
The programme highlighted transferable skills that can be used in a variety of careers, while encouraging pupils to recognise skills they are already developing in school.
On day one, the DYW committee organised stations in the gym hall for eight sectors. Classes took turns to try out the resources and discuss the careers.
Ms Mooney said: "Items such as equipment used by police officers; a mini kitchen with pots and pans; laptop and headphones; construction safety equipment and tools were laid out prompting discussion on career options. The committee explained the relevance of the items and explained some of the skills required for the jobs.
"Employers delivering interactive presentations included Robertson construction, Cockburns solicitors and Life and Sole gym."
During day two, a careers fair featured employers including Gary Muirson Photography, Wild Blossom Floristry and Forres Area Credit Union setting up in the playground for the children to visit and ask questions. Parents were also invited. Parents - such as firefighter James Ward, lawyer Laura McLean, Anne Owen from the Falconer Museum, architect Rhona Gomez and children's physiotherapist Suzanne Offer - also spoke to pupils about their jobs.
Finally, on the last day, parents were again invited to join pupils at Grant Park for fitness and team-building sessions organised by the Army and Anytime Fitness.
"These proved to be a lot of fun," said Ms Mooney.
"It was lovely to see how enthusiastic and excited the children were at the different events and how they linked the teaching of skills to the world of work.
"It is fascinating to hear what they want to be when they grow up!"
