PUPILS were given a taste of the world of work at an annual industry day designed to give them an insight into business and commerce and future careers.

Greensward Academy Year 10 students sampled a range of careers to give them inspiration for their own futures.

Career samples offered at the school, in Greensward Lane, Hockley, included midwifery, the Army, construction, floristry, media, hairdressing, textiles and catering – with pupils producing a meal from scratch in catering for the visitors.

Representatives from colleges explained to pupils what courses are on offer and where they could lead.

Lucy Vitone, careers and alternative education co-ordinator at Greensward, said: “This day gives students an opportunity to learn about careers which they may consider going into in the future, some of which they may not have heard of or considered before.

“The students might find themselves in a floristry class making button holes one minute and completing an assault course with the Army the next. There’s no better way of working out what you enjoy or don’t enjoy.

“These Year 10 students will soon be heading off on their work experience placements which will give them further assistance in choosing their next steps.”

Richard Park, of Anglian Water, held sessions with pupils on the day, said: “Students were challenged to build a pipe network, considering costs and testing their systems.

“The skills they are using here are the ones they will need in engineering and the workplace in general – from maths and English to teamwork.”

Construction teacher Richard Baxter gave basic brickwork training.

He said: “Students learnt how to make a mix, work in confined spaces and to understand the health and safety implications of working in demolition.

These are skills for life, even if they do not go into the industry, they will have the knowledge to build a wall in their garden or make small repairs in the future.”