Pupils from Dover Park Primary School in Ryde have been given an early insight into possible career options during a day out at London’s Kidzania, which recently featured on BBC One’s The Apprentice.
Due to the impacts of COVID-19, it was the first time in several years that many of the pupils had travelled off the Island.
The trip was organised as part of Dover Park’s Careers Week activities which encouraged pupils to think about their future aspirations and job opportunities. Wightlink, which has a partnership arrangement with Dover Park, provided a free coach crossing to help make the trip possible.
Kidzania is a unique attraction that offers youngsters the chance to try out different activities and job opportunities including dressing up and taking on tasks designed to mimic the adult world. It was recently featured on The Apprentice as the meeting point for one of the tasks.
Maria Kirby, Year 5 teacher, explains:
“It’s like a child-sized city in which children are able to role play and try out all sorts of activities such as mock firefighting, flying an aircraft simulator, working at a TV station or in baby care, fashion design, science, shopkeeping and many other activities.
“It really was a fantastic day and after so much disruption due to the pandemic, it was great for the children to once again be able to get off the Island for a well-deserved trip away.”
As part of its Careers Week, Dover Park also invited in family and friends of the school community to discuss with pupils the careers or jobs they did and what the job entailed.
Keith Greenfield, Chief Executive of Wightlink, says:
“One of the key aims of our school partnerships is to help broaden the horizons of young people so they are fully aware of all the career opportunities open to them. We were only too happy to have helped Dover Park undertake what was clearly a successful and rewarding trip to London.”
Step one, tuck your shirt in, follow me for more career advice.