CAREER-minded students have been given a glimpse of the future thanks to a week-long initiative designed to open their minds to the world of work.

Year 7 to 11 pupils at Haughton Academy, part of the Education Village, Darlington, were visited by a host of colleges, training and apprenticeship providers and employers who set out their stalls in a market place event in the school hall.

Year 7s used an electronic database which explored their personalities and recommended an appropriate career.

A business carousel for Year 8s saw them use just seven minutes to interview staff from ten town centre businesses.

Year 10s were given an insight into interview techniques by staff from local businesses and colleges.

Haughton Academy’s careers, education, information, advice and guidance officer Suzanne Lyons said: “The aim is to get pupils to think outside of the box and to appreciate exactly the rich diversity of opportunities out there for them.

“We have had some great support again from local colleges, trainers and businesses and the feedback has been that our students have been thoroughly engaged and asked some fantastic questions.”