Youngsters given insight into world of jobs and careers

Garage owner Liam Hanrahan shows these youngsters what life is like as a mechanic.

Abbey Primary in Forest Town hosted the Raising Aspirations Careers Conference, which was believed to be a first of its kind for pupils aged ten and 11 years old in the town.

A host of guests gave demonstrations and talks, or staged workshops, teaching the children about jobs ranging from nurse and vet to mechanic and police officer.

And head teacher Kim Wakefield said she was delighted by the success of the event, which she was sure would help prepare youngsters for the often daunting challenge of employment.

Mock cuts and brusies, prepared by make-up artist Nicola Comer, are sported by these youngsters.

She said: “Our children are growing up in a vastly changing world. It is so important for them to have the necessary knowledge about the opportunities the world of work will offer them so that they can make informed choices about their future careers.

“Here at Abbey, we passionately believe that if you work hard and put in the effort, you can achieve anything you want.

“We want our children to aim high, and raising their aspirations is such an important part of this.

“The children had an amazing day and there was a real buzz around school as they shared what they thought they would like to do. We are indebted to our visitors, who gave generously of their time.”

Boys find out from joiner David Clarke-Hippsley how to work with wood.

Among those visitors was Ron Lawrence, MBE, from Nottinghamshire Police, who is renowned for his local community work, and top businessman and charity chief Ian Guyler.

Flim and theatrical make-up artist Nicola Comer showed children how to produce mock cuts and bruises for TV shows such as ‘Casualty’, while Rebecca Pugh spoke about her job at Vets4Pets and Bev Nita, of Samworth Church Academy in Mansfield, oversaw a hairdressing salon.

Others on hand included Liam Hanrahan, the 21-year-old owner of Park Garage in Mansfield Woodhouse, Claire Etches, a paediatric nurse, Nick Broughton, an IT security consultant, Paul Mildenhall, a personal trainer with Everyone Health, joiner David Clarke-Hippsley, and Rachel Adams, who spoke about social care.