A group of local employers went back to school recently to enable students at Penryn College to try out skills used in the workplace and gather more information about potential career paths.

The Have a Go event was one of a series of events held across England to raise the profile nationally of skills, vocational training and apprenticeships. The bite-sized tasters included website design with Digital Web Media whose managing director, Mark Grice, is keen to encourage young people into IT.

He said: “Website developers are so hard to find in Cornwall, so inspiring young people at an early age, to take this up as a career is essential.”

Other employers included Cornwall Marine Network, who gave a practical introduction into careers in the marine sector; the Royal Cornwall Trust, who introduced the students to operating department practice and how to intubate patients; Falmouth Marine School, who demonstrated marine science, and the Army Reserves, who explained and demonstrated life in the forces.

Another practical session was run by the 2nd Chance Project who looked at sports and leisure, and a problem solving challenge around engineering was delivered by Cormac.

A career in catering and becoming a chef was delivered by Nick Evans, head chef at St Petroc’s Bistro, and Premier Inn representatives challenged students to make up a bed and room in the shortest time.

Rachel Bastian, work related learning co-ordinator at Penryn College, said: “It’s been fantastic having such a wide range of employers committed to providing such extensive Have a Go activities to inspire our young people.”

Falmouth Packet:

Falmouth Packet: