High school pupils say “We’ll have a go!”

More than 700 high school pupils from across Bury attended Bury Council’s Backing Young Bury career and skills event at St Gabriel's RC High School.

The ‘Have a Go’ day aimed to encourage and motivate young people to think about their career choice and the world of work through interactive demonstrations. It offered pupils the opportunity to discover what they are good at and what they enjoy, and discuss directly with providers and businesses the types of careers, jobs and apprenticeships they could aspire to.

More than 30 local training providers and businesses were there to provide a work place task, answer questions and give advice and guidance. Pupils could try their hand at activities such as brick-laying, virtual welding, electronic engineering, forensic science and industrial sewing.

The event was attended by Councillor Stella Smith, the Mayor of Bury, and Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, deputy cabinet member for children, families and culture.

The council set up Backing Young Bury in April 2010 to improve learning and working opportunities for young people in the borough: the council itself has taken on around 150 apprentices since. The scheme was recently praised by the Sunday Telegraph, which cited Bury as one of the Top 50 Apprenticeship Employers of the Year.

Cllr Mike Connolly, leader of Bury Council, said: “Young people need and deserve every opportunity to develop their talent and take the first steps on the road to rewarding jobs and careers.

“We are committed to providing these opportunities through our Backing Young Bury project; from extended work experience placements and pre-employment training to an increased number of varied apprenticeships.”

Simon Smith, head teacher at St Gabriel's, said: “It’s always a pleasure to host this event. All schools, working with employers and training providers, have a significant role to play in lifelong learning. I’m glad that our visitors had the chance to engage, reflect and then act on the wonderful opportunities they had last week. It was a brilliant day focussed around individual pupils. My thanks to everyone who played their part.”

Further information about Bury Council’s Backing Young Bury campaign can be found at http://www.bury.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=10969

ENDS

Press release issued: 26 November 2015.

Picture: At the Have a Go event are (from left) Julia Rawson, economic development support officer at the council; Chris Dawson, an apprentice at Bury Council; the Mayor of Bury and her consort, Cllr Stella Smith and Mr John Smith; and Helen Mather of St Gabriel’s RC High School.