TEENAGERS got to grips with the world of work at an event to help them choose the right career.

Bosses from south Essex companies - including Echo editor Colin Channon - ined up for the day at Beauchamps High School, in Beauchamps Drive, Wickford, during the Pathway to Work event.

The teenager, from Year 10, were able to join in the fun with companies coming in to talk to them about what they do in every day life, including the pitfalls they face at work.

Colin spent all day with the youngsters to give them an insight into the newspaper business.

He said: “It was a lot of fun.

“The teenagers were really interested and helping the younger generation is something we’re very keen about, especially with the demand for jobs and careers so high.

“They were a credit to their schools and I hope they enjoyed it as much as I did.”

Together, the children and business leaders worked together on various different projects including balancing an egg on rolled up newspapers to encourage their team work skills.

Other businesses which lent a hand were C and H UK which gave lessons in health and safety using a tractor as a prop, and Debenhams.

Held every year, Pathway to Work introduces people to work life and focuses on time management, CV writing, health and safety and business challenges.