Youngsters from Great Waldingfield were keen to share their knowledge during a robot session with BT.
Over ninety year two pupils (mostly aged six and seven) from three schools took part in one of the only careers events for younger primary school children in the country.
The ‘Skills Escalator Day’ saw a variety of industries create short interactive sessions giving them a window into the world of work.
The event took place at the West Suffolk College outreach centre based on Cornard Road in Sudbury.
The schools involved were Great Waldingfield, St Gregory’s and Tudor.
This occasion was organised by the Eastern Education Group (that incorporates Abbeygate Sixth Form College, One Sixth Form College, University Studies & Professional Development and West Suffolk College).
Organisations involved included BT, Suffolk Police, UK Power Networks, Waitrose and Victoria Fiebelkorn showcased careers in science.
Victoria is also the organiser and Group Head of the Skills Escalator for the Eastern Education Group. She said: “The Skills Escalator Days first began in 2022. To date over 3000 children from 75 primary schools have attended their local Skills Escalator Day. This was the second event we have hosted in Sudbury and the first time that Waitrose have attended. Skills Escalator Days directly link school children with the world of work, to allow them to see and talk to people from industry to build in them a lifelong curiosity and passion for their future careers. Careers education in early primary school is very important – by the time a child is eight years old they have firmly embedded views about what they can and can’t do – so the more aspirations we can spark in them at a young age, the more informed they can be about their futures.”
A group from St Gregorys with UK Power Network.
Rachel Hutchings is a teacher from Great Waldingfield. She said: “This is my first experience of a Skills Escalator Day – it’s a really well organised event. It’s important for the children to see different opportunities that are out there in the world in terms of the different careers that they can have when they are older. I think these events are really good and could be rolled out into other counties.”
Grace is a student from Great Waldingfield. She said: “This is the best day ever.”
Liam, 7, is also from Great Waldfingfield he said the day has been ‘enjoyable’ and Annabella, 6 from the same school as Liam said it had been ‘exciting’.
Shane Allum is a researcher and STEM expert from BT. Shane said: “It’s really important that every age group get engaged and inspired by technology. It’s great what the college is doing.”