Careers event for youngsters visits Mildenhall for the first time

05 Mar 2024

Since being set up, these Skills Escalator events have helped over 2,500 youngsters and 67 schools get a glimpse into the world of work.

Around two hundred youngsters from three schools based in and around Mildenhall took part in one of the only careers events for younger primary school children in the country. The ‘Skills Escalator Day’ saw a variety of industries create short interactive sessions for children aged between six and seven giving them a window into the world of work.

The event took place at the Jubilee Centre on Thursday 29 February 2024 and the schools involved were: The Pines, St Mary's and Great Heath. This occasion was organised by the Eastern Education Group (that incorporates Abbeygate Sixth Form College, One Sixth Form College, University Studies & Professional Development and West Suffolk College.

Organisations who offered sessions included West Suffolk Council, G’s Fresh, the Royal Air Force, Newmarket Racehorse Museum, Morgan Sindall and the Police. 

Aside from bringing their economic development department along, West Suffolk Council also provided the venue for the day.

Organiser and Group Head of the Skills Escalator for the Eastern Education Group Victoria Fiebelkorn said: “West Suffolk Council have been strong and invaluable supporters of the Skills Escalator Days since they first began in 2022. Since then, the reach of the Skills Escalator Days has expanded, and the days now run annually in Bury St Edmunds, Newmarket, Chatteris, Ipswich, Thetford, Sudbury and Haverhill.

“As the reputation of these unique and inspirational careers days for the youngest members of our community grows it is always very exciting to launch a Skills Escalator Day in a new town, so I was delighted and surprised at just how quickly the Mildenhall Skills Escalator Day was booked out less than a week after the invitations to schools went out.

“Skills Escalator Days directly link school children with the world of work, to allow them to see and talk to people from industry to build in them a lifelong curiosity and passion for the world of work.”  

Cllr Indy Wijenayaka, Cabinet Member for Growth at West Suffolk Council said: “I am delighted that West Suffolk Council is continuing to support the Skills Escalator Days. These events are a fantastic way to showcase the various roles within the public and private sector to our young residents. By engaging and nurturing the aspirations of children early on, we're actively working towards bridging the attainment gap and preparing a skilled future workforce that will be active participants in our thriving communities and support local sustainable growth.”

Cornelia Leonard, HR Manager at G’s Fresh said: “The children learnt about what we do as a company. Judging by the smiles on the students faces, they enjoyed the day.”

Lucy Brown, a year two teacher and the lower school assistant principal at St Mary’s in Mildenhall, said: “The days are important as they are a good way of introducing young children to the world of work. You get to plant the seed of future career ideas when children are this age and I think that is really important. The more they get to see the more it will inspire them. The children have had a whale of a time and they are buzzing with enthusiasm.”

Sarah Coleman, creative programme manager at the National Horseracing Museum in Newmarket, said: “We were delighted to engage with so many young people and tell them about all the roles that we have in the museum. They also helped us prepare us for an event that is taking place on Easter Saturday called ‘Paw-ty’ – a dog show and fun family event. It’s important we engage with the community.”

Florence, a student from St Mary’s Primary school, said:  “I’ve learnt about aeroplanes and police officer’s. It has been good. Today has helped me in terms of my future.”

The Skills Escalator Day took place during Colleges Week – a national campaign set up by the Association of Colleges to champion the positive impact that these institutions have to their communities.

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