Initiative has given East Sussex pupils taste of varied career paths

While the pupils are years away from deciding which path to follow, the Primary Careers Hub has worked with 23 schools and more than 160 employees to provide career-related learning experiences for more than 7,200 pupils from Reception to Year 6.

East Sussex County Council was the only local authority named in the Government’s pilot and was given £145,000 to extend its already established and successful careers hub for secondary school children.

Bob Standley, the county council’s lead member for education and inclusion and special educational needs (ISEND), said: “While they are a long way from the beginning of their careers, this project has given thousands of children a better understanding of work life, the careers available and inspired them to follow a path to their dream job.

“The pilot has established long-lasting links between primary schools and local businesses and will help embed careers-related learning in the curriculum.”

Many events and visits had to be postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but work continued and a series of short films supporting the link between the primary curriculum and the world of work were produced.

The films, involving several of the county’s businesses, can be accessed - along with classroom resources and case studies at https://careerseastsussex.co.uk/advice/primary-careers-hub

Rupert Simmons, lead member for economy, added: “Raising the career aspirations of children in East Sussex and helping them to understand the skills they need for different jobs is extremely important, and the great work of our established Careers Hub will continue to support this.

“Not only does the Hub give students experience and knowledge of work, but it hugely benefits employers who are able to work with education providers to shape training and careers support to ensure a future, local workforce which has relevant skills and training.”

Businesses wanting to work with schools to improve careers and work readiness skills, promote apprenticeships, open their doors to groups of students or get involved with activities that promote their sector can email [email protected]

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