WINSFORD schoolchildren had a taste of life in the workplace during a visit to The Hut Group in Northwich.

Staff from the e-commerce company in Gadbrook Park welcomed more than 100 pupils from Wharton Primary, Over St John’s Primary School and Oaklands Special School

The schools were visiting the site as part of the Raising Aspirations Project, which aims to increase children’s career ambitions by showing them what it is like to work in various industries and plant career ideas at an early age.

Mr. Andy Robinson, teacher and head of sixth form from Oaklands School, said: “It was an excellent visit where the pupils got to partake in various engaging and fun digital media activities while also learning about the fantastic work and careers at the HUT Group. This has given many of our student’s ideas and aspirations for the future. We can’t wait to go again.”

The team at The Hut Group gave pupils a taste of working in digital media with interactive IT sessions to learn programming skills.

Schalk van Merwe, chief technology officer at The Hut Group said: “Opportunities for a career in tech will continue to grow, so getting children excited about this at a young age is essential.

“We were very impressed at how engaged the children were in the activities that allowed them to think creatively as well as in developing real technology skills. We look forward to working with the Raising Aspirations team again in the future.”

The Raising Aspirations Project stems from The Winsford Whole Place initiative - a supportive partnership between Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Education department and 13 schools in the town involved in the Winsford Education Partnership.

Teachers offer pupils a unique insight into a wide range of careers including sport and health, construction and digital media by delivering lessons on each subject. This is followed by a visit to a related workplace to help them apply the lessons to the real world.

Earlier this month, Year 5 children from Darnhall Primary School, Over Hall Community School and Winsford High Street Community Primary School were among the 117 pupils who visited the Park Royal Hotel and Spa in Warrington to see the range of jobs on offer in the hospitality industry.

Councillor Nicole Meardon, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “We are grateful for all of the businesses and educational establishments that have put a great deal of time and effort into supporting the project so far by welcoming the children into their place of work. We welcome other businesses which would be keen to get involved in our worthwhile project.”

For more information about the programme, contact Janet Kolita on janet.kolita@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.