On Friday 7th May, pupils at Keiss Primary School and Nursery pupils held their Careers Fayre.
During Term 2, pupils engaged in remote Developing Young Workforce activities focused on skill acquisition and exploration into a range of careers that exist today as well as jobs that could exist in the future. Pupils posed questions to various professionals and workers around the country and the response was outstanding.
Over 20 professionals and trades people from across the country took the time to respond by email but also recorded their answers via video link enabling them to virtually appear at the Careers Fayre across both establishments on the day.
Palaeontologist Dr Steve Brusatte shared his expertise with learners interested in dinosaurs which went down a treat with the pupils. Dr Brusatte has written over 110 scientific papers, published six books, described over 15 new species of fossil animals and worked in Brazil, Britain, China, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Romania, and the United States. His research is an advisor and consultant for the BBC’s Walking With Dinosaurs team.
The highest capped British professional footballer in history, Steven Davis MBE, who captains Northern Ireland and plays for Scottish champions Glasgow Rangers also took the time to respond to pupils’ questions and share his story for success. Kirstie Swain who is a Screenwriter and Executive Producer for Netflix, HBO ad Sky Atlantic shared her experience and provided tips of how to achieve your ambitions.
Among others, local businesses and employees supported the event such as Ashley Ann Kitchens with expert advice from Interior Designer, Gemma Mackillop and local artist Lindsey Gallacher responded to pupils who aspire to become artists. Parents and staff took the time to contribute also. Caithness General Hospital, Wick Craft and former SubSea7 manager Willie Watt shared their success stories and the skills necessary to help in the world of work.
Vets, Doctors, Entrepreneurs, Photographers, Barbers, Fishing Boat operatives, Stable Owners, Physiotherapists, Nurses as well as representatives from Playstation, The SSPCA and TikTok all provided the pupils with a diverse information to answer their questions to further their interest in prospective careers.
Across the day, pupils came dressed to school as the person they’d like to work as when they are older (including staff).
The Digital Leaders at Keiss Primary School and Nursery opened the day by teaching all of the school how to code. This was followed by the Careers Fayre while pupils took part in class activities linked to their jobs of interest.
