Hundreds of pupils from across Cheshire and Staffordshire discovered new career possibilities during an immersive Year 6 Experience Day at Reaseheath College and University Centre.
The end of term event at the Nantwich-based institution was designed to introduce primary pupils to the wide range of exciting and high-value jobs available in industries they may not typically hear about – from agriculture and animal science to food production, floristry, and construction.
Pupils from 11 local schools explored Reaseheath’s specialist facilities and took part in a packed schedule of hands-on and STEM activities that brought different careers to life. From building walls and programming robots to caring for animals, climbing trees and making pizzas with farm-grown ingredients, having explored and experienced the high-tech protected crop growing facilities on site, the day aimed to show how practical skills connect to real-world and the broad range of STEM career opportunities across the landbased sector.
A popular experience was Reaseheath’s ‘Farm to Fork’ journey, where pupils experienced the path of food production from plant to plate. They explored the glasshouses and vertical farm, watched robotic milking in action, made dairy products in the college’s food halls, and used these ingredients to create pizzas. Along the way, they learned from our staff and industry partners about sustainability, animal welfare and how food is processed and prepared – all part of Reaseheath’s commitment to helping young people understand the full food production cycle and the valuable careers available in the agri-food industry.
In the Animal Management and Equine centres, pupils dissected owl pellets, groomed horses, and explored animal habitats, including pond dipping. Others decorated bakery treats in the Food Centre, created floral jewellery in Floristry, and learned about design, surveying and planning, joinery and bricklaying in Construction whilst using industry standard CAD systems and a range of other technology. They also participated in fitness tests and football with the Sports team, climbed trees with the Forestry and Arboriculture team, and enjoyed orienteering with Adventure Sports, whilst developing their teamworking and communication skills, which are highly valued by employers.
While the activities were fun and hands-on, the focus was firmly on challenging perceptions of the landbased sectors, promoting high value careers, raising aspirations and making the world of work in the land-based sector more visible and relatable for young people.
Children also got to hear from local industry professionals. Visitors from Rosea Garden Care Ltd, Oreste Lawn Care, Ornua, Tatton Park Farm and Thrive (SSW) Ltd came to talk to pupils about the distinct roles and opportunities in their sectors – from landscape maintenance and dairy production to conservation, sustainability, and sport. These sessions helped pupils understand how school subjects and their interests could link to real careers and gave them insight into study pathways and industries they may not have come across before.
Assistant Principal, Sharon Yates, explained: “This was a valuable opportunity to inspire young minds and broaden their understanding of the land-based sector and the diverse careers it offers. We’re proud to welcome local schools to our industry standard facilities, where pupils can engage in hands-on STEM learning activities, and explore the exciting possibilities that exist within agriculture, horticulture, animal care, and other land-based industries. The behaviour, enthusiasm and engagement of the students on the day was outstanding, we hope they all had a fantastic experience.”
The schools involved were St John’s CE(A) Primary, Nantwich Primary Academy, Wistaston Church Lane Academy, Wrenbury Primary School, Wistaston Academy, Acton Primary, Pebble Brook Primary School, Edleston Primary School, Highfields Academy, Underwood West and The Berkeley.
Education Project Officer, Wei Ling Lee, who organised the event, added: “The event gave primary school children the chance to explore a range of learning and career opportunities and experience what Reaseheath College and University Centre has to offer. We aimed to inspire the children and encourage their aspirations. They were fantastic, engaging fully in all the activities. All the visiting schools have already asked to be included in next year’s event, and we hope to welcome even more schools’ next time.”
Reaseheath is proud to support schools across the region by offering high-quality, meaningful careers experiences for all ages, closely linked to the Gatsby Benchmarks.
If you’re a teacher, careers leader or education professional and would like to get involved in future events, contact Sharon Yates at sharon.yates@reaseheath.ac.uk to find out more or to arrange a visit.
