The new West of England Mayor, Tim Bowles, came to the area last week to visit Westfield Primary School as part of its ‘Fantastic Futures’ week, which ran from 10th – 14th July.

Fantastic Futures has been developed by the school to raise the aspirations of its pupils and give them the best possible opportunities for their futures.

During the week a number of professionals have come to talk to the children about their work; with hands-on opportunities putting core learning, such as literacy and maths, into real-life context.

Mangorolla ran a session called, ‘I’m an Engineer, Get me out of here’ and there were also talks from Wessex Water; GKN; KeepMoat Regen; BT; the Theatre Royal, Bath; CFH; Bath College; Bath Spa University; the University of Bath; University of the West of England and Norton Hill School.

Tim Bowles said: “This really is a fantastic initiative, and something that will make a tangible difference to the lives of these young people.

“I’m passionate that we take a positive message to the next generation about the great career opportunities that exist in the region.

“We have a diverse range of exciting and fulfilling jobs across many different industries, with dynamic new businesses choosing the West of England as their home. We must plan ahead, working in this way with schools, colleges and businesses, large and small, not only to ensure that our residents have the skills employers needs today, but that we’re planning for the skills they will need in ten or twenty years.”

Simon Mills, Headteacher, said: “Research has shown that primary school children often have fixed and narrow ideas about careers. Children start to rule career options in and out at an early age and girls hold stereotypical views about male and female careers by the age of seven.

“By introducing children to successful professionals working in different roles and industries, we aim to broaden their horizons, increase awareness of the opportunities open to them and boost their confidence.”

The school carried out a survey of pupil’s career choices before and after the week to show impact and help inform future activities.

The West of England

Combined Authority (WECA) covers Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire. For more information, visit: www.westofengland-ca.org.uk