Scaled-up work event helps map out pupils' future

A "ground-breaking" work experience project has been "dramatically" scaled up from just 30 to 200 pupils in a year, its organisers have said.

Bedford Giving said its second year of running the Taste of the Workplace events saw a variety of emergency service workers go directly to Wixams Academy, in Bedfordshire, to re-enact how blue light workers would respond to a crash between a car and an e-scooter.

Student Jaydan, who took part, said it helped him to "map out" his future.

While Elizabeth said the live scenario was "thought-provoking" and showed how different health care professionals worked together.

Sempiyan said: "I've learnt [that] to be a firefighter takes teamwork, determination and resilience."

Alfie said: "I have wanted to be a police officer since I was five.

"Having Bedfordshire Police come into school and show us all the different areas within policing was a dream come true for me.

"It just confirmed that policing is what I really want to do."

Elizabeth said: "I am really interested in neuroscience and how the brain works.

"The live scenario of the scooter accident was so thought-provoking for me, seeing how the head trauma was treated by all the different health care professionals - from the ambulance crew first on the scene, to what would happen in hospital and all the different elements to it."

Jaydan, a St John's Ambulance Cadet, said he now wants to be a paramedic.

"Now I know exactly how I can get there by doing an apprenticeship and then going on to university.

"The project has helped me map out my future."

Isaac said: "The project really opened my eyes to some exciting careers out there - I didn't even realise the MAGPAS Air Ambulance existed.

"I'd love to fly a helicopter and save people's lives."

Over a month, Year 9 pupils, aged 13 to 14, were introduced to about 20 different job roles across the blue light services and related professions, ranging from crime officers and paramedics, to family liaison officers, riot police, health workers and firefighters.

Paul Kellett, director of Bedford Giving, said the project helped students open "their eyes to future careers, as well as strengthening vital connections between young people and the services that keep our community safe".

"When you look at findings from the education and employers charity, which show that students who have contact with four or more employers during their education are 86% less likely to become NEET [not in education, employment, or training]."

Paddy Downes, assistant headteacher at Wixams Academy, said: "The scenario captured students' imaginations immediately, and it was inspiring to see them so engaged.

"The interactions with the different services have also broadened their understanding of future pathways and inspired many to consider roles in the uniformed services."

The next sessions will take place at Daubeney Academy in Bedford in June and July.

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