Mansfield students 'inspired' by female role models

Over 30 students at the Brunts Academy interviewed women from several industries at an event on Thursday, March, 8.

Representatives from Nottinghamshire Police, Tarmac, the NHS, Mansfield Building Society, Mansfield and Ashfield 2020 and your Chad among others went to the school on The Park, Mansfield, to advise and inspire the students.

The students aged 11 to 16 asked questions about their career paths and who they were inspired by.

Georgia Cooper, 14, said that the day was 'inspiring', she said: "It showed me that whatever I do that I will get somewhere in the future."

They also got the chance to ask the best way to develop their career.

Anna Smith, 14, said: "Today showed me that although there is still sexism around, with hard work you can get to the places you want."

International Woman's Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

Natalie Aveyard, Assisant Headteacher at the school said: "What has really come out of this event is the smiles.

"It is about having motivation and feeling inspired, women should be true to themselves.

"I congratulate the students who took part and put themselves first.

"They can be everything and anything you want to be."

Sandra Cowley, 54, Commercial Director for Nottinghamshire Futures who spoke to the students about how education doesn't finish at school, she said: "Reputation and integrity is everything.

"I started off selling sweets from my bike.

"Education does not stop at 18. I took a university degree in 2007 when I was in my 40's."