Careers Wales offering first Career Discovery Week to primary schools

For the first time, on 14 February 2022, Careers Wales is providing a week of online, employer-led activities for year 6 primary school children in Wales.

With more than 30 Welsh employers signed up so far, Career Discovery Week is linked to the Curriculum for Wales’ Areas of Learning and Experience (AoLEs) and will bring real world of work experiences and information to primary school children to help them prepare for their future careers.

The week-long virtual programme will consist of live and pre-recorded activities, challenges, videos and vlogs to help raise the career aspirations of young people, realise their career goals and introduce pupils to employers who can inspire, inform and motivate them. Pupils will also have the opportunity to take part in a live question and answer session.

Mark Owen, head of stakeholder services at Careers Wales, said: “Following the success of our first Career Discovery Week for secondary school pupils last summer, we recognised the need for something similar for primary pupils so they can start thinking about their future aspirations and careers earlier.

“This event will provide access to information and ideas they may not have considered, help them to feel less pressure later when choosing GCSE options and build their understanding of how to make their dream job a reality.”

Joanne Cullen, north area water resources manager at Dwr Cymru, said: “Welsh Water is one of the biggest employers in Wales and provides clean water to over 3 million people and takes away their waste, whilst also protecting the environment.

“We are absolutely committed to improving diversity within the water industry and, by reaching out to our next generation of potential employees and explaining the wide range of careers we offer, hopefully we can help encourage and inspire more young children from a variety of different backgrounds to pursue STEM subjects at school.”