YOUNGSTERS in Prudhoe took their first steps along future career paths last week, gaining a valuable insight into the world of work in a pioneering programme at Prudhoe Community High School.

An intensive four-day course of work related learning, the ’World of Work‘ event saw 200 year ten students take away a new understanding of the day to day realities of the working world.

The event saw the students meet over 30 representative from a range of professions face to face to learn more about their working life and discuss necessary skills and qualifications for a future career in that industry.

The idea is the brainchild of Coun. Anne Dale and former head of Prudhoe High and Northumberland County Council director of education and skills, Robin Casson, who worked with artistic director of Tyne Valley Youth Theatre Kiz Crosbie and Solar Learning to make it a reality.

The programme, which ran last week saw the students participate in skills workshops centred around communication, teamwork, creative problem solving and personal image and branding.

On Wednesday students met professionals from various local businesses including Thompsons of Prudhoe, SCA, Hexham Hospital, County Hall and Matfen Hall Hotel, to find out as much as t hey could about their chosen industry.

Coun. Dale said: “All the students I spoke to thoroughly enjoyed and valued the experience and are very grateful to everyone who gave their time and support on the day.”

And on Thursday afternoon many of the local employers involved with the scheme visited the school to see the students work and speak with them.

Prudhoe’s largest employer, SCA, hosted two sessions for teachers at its tissue mill on Princess Way, as well as having a number of employees and young apprentices speak to students at the school.

The company’s UK consumer marketing director Nicola Coronado also came up from Manchester to visit the school. She said: “Not that long ago I was a student at a comprehensive school in Bolton – a town very similar to Prudhoe.

“Now I have an exciting job in a fast-moving industry, and control a multi-million pound marketing budget. My message to the girls in the audience was that if I can do it, so can they!”

Corin Hardy, music video and director of the upcoming Hollywood remake of The Crow , who replied by email to questions from the students said: “I enjoyed visiting the school a few years ago and I’ve worked with some of Prudhoe’s ex students already.

“The main thing is making what you love, because it will show in your work, films, stories and ideas.”

The aim of the event was to help unlock the potential of young people and ensure children from all backgrounds are given the same opportunities by helping them to decide which direction to take, and equipping them with the knowledge of necessary qualifications and attributes to succeed.

Michael Evans and Sheila Clark, from Solar Learning, were involved, using their Australian careers search programme for the first time with a UK school. They said: “It has been fantastic to work with such a responsive school that recognises the importance of moving careers education for their young people into the 21st century.”

Headteacher of Prudhoe High School, Deborah Reeman, said: “So often we read headlines about how our young people lack an awareness of, and the right skills for the workplace. We decided to tackle that issue head on. It was one of those moments you get in my job which remind you just how important this kind of work is to the rest of a persons life.”