Children as young as seven at a Teesside primary school are already starting to think about what kind of jobs they would like to pursue in the future.

Sunnyside Academy in Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough held its first ever Careers Fayre this week (March 16) for pupils aged seven to 11.

A wide range of work sectors were represented at the day-long event including engineering, the Royal Air Force, the NHS, media, archaeology, gaming, music, photography, Middlesbrough Football Club and Cleveland Fire Brigade.

Jenni Donovan-Ritch, who has led on the initiative for Sunnyside Academy, said: “It is really important that children start to consider at a young age what they would like to do in the future.

“It enabled our children to talk one-to-one with a wide range of employers and learn about the wide scope of jobs which are out there.

“The children did some preparatory work prior to the event preparing questions and events like this help improve their confidence and communication skills.”

Sunnyside Academy is home to over 300 pupils between the age of three and 11. It is a mainstream school with provision for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), particularly those with visual and hearing impairments.

Julie Sutton, Headteacher of Sunnyside Academy, commented: “The event was a huge success and it helped to raise the aspirations of the children who attended.

“It also helped to give them an insight into which subjects are important to them if they want to pursue a particular career.

“As a follow-up to the Careers Fayre, children have also had the opportunity to get dressed up and attend school in a work uniform of their choice.”

Sunnyside Academy is one of eight primary schools under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust. The others are Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees and Ayresome in Middlesbrough.

Sunnyside Careers Fayre Video