PRIMARY school pupils were given the chance to try a wide range of potential careers, from bricklaying to engineering for themselves at a practical in-school event.

The year five and six pupils at Springfield Academy in Darlington took part in a morning of activities delivered by businesses and organisations as part of the event aimed at opening their eyes to the world of work.

The day was organised by Foundation for Jobs and supported by The Northern Echo, Bussey and Armstrong, Darlington College, Cummins Engines, Durham Police and Chartwells.

The pupils were able to try bricklaying with construction firm Bussey and Armstrong, wire plugs and sockets with an electrician from Darlington College, cook pancakes with catering firm Chartwells, carry out a news interview with The Northern Echo and find out about the varied roles of officers with Durham Police.

They were also able to try a working water filter used in India to provide clean drinking water and in part developed by volunteers at Engine firm Cummins.

The task was delivered by Mike Lambert, who is now based at the company’s Darlington plant but previously spent six years in India as the firm’s engineering leader, where he saw first-hand the benefit of the filters.

Mr Lambert is a former pupil at both what is now Springfield Academy and Haughton Comprehensive, which now both come together under the redeveloped Education Village.

Each task lasted no more than 20 minutes to give the 60 pupils involved a short, sharp introduction that would stick in the memory.

It has been proven that capturing their imagination at this age can play an integral part in helping them aspire towards a particular career in adulthood.

Springfield Principal, Angela Henderson, said the event had been brilliant and the pupils thoroughly enjoyed it.

“I have had some wonderful feedback from them and it was great to hear how much they enjoyed all of the workshops and how much insight they have gained into a variety of careers.

“I thought it was particularly useful how they could see the application of curriculum subjects in future professions."

Foundation for Jobs is a national award winning initiative involving The Northern Echo, Darlington Borough Council and the Darlington Partnership of public and private sector organisations.

It has worked with 2,700 young people aged between 10 and 24 since its launch two years ago.

A major strand of the campaign is linking young people with industry while they are still at school.

Research has shown that engaging children in work related activities while still in education can lead to them being up to five times less likely to be unemployed at the age of 25.

For more details contact Foundation for Jobs co-ordinator Owen McAteer on 01325-388367.