CareersWales launches new Minecraft world ‘CareersCraft’ for schoolchildren to learn about themselves and the world of work with live school demos

This week Careers Wales launched a new Minecraft world for young learners to explore and develop their careers skills and knowledge.

Called CareersCraft, the resource is linked to the areas of learning in the new curriculum and features six areas based upon different Welsh landmarks including the Millennium Centre, Senedd, Big Pit and Caernarfon Castle.

Targeted at those aged 8-13, the resource is now available to all children in schools across Wales through Minecraft Education Edition, and is accompanied by detailed teacher resources, including lesson plans.

Players are able to explore each area and complete different activities and challenges. They can learn about different careers in specific sectors and industries, develop their skills, and discover more about their own strengths and interests.

A 90 second flythrough of CareersCraft is available on Careers Wales’ YouTube channel, exploring all six worlds and the challenges players can look forward to taking on.

To celebrate the release of the resource this week, Careers Wales hosted live demo events at schools across the country.

On Wednesday 9 December, the live demos started at Ysgol Ardudwy in Harlech, before heading down to Llanrhaeadr Ym Mochnant Primary School in Oswestry.

During the second day of demos, Thursday 10 December, the screens headed to Pontlliw Primary School in Swansea.

Pupils were greeted by huge digivan screens in their playgrounds and were able to take it in turns to explore the new Minecraft world with their classmates.

They could also help themselves to CareersCraft kit, including pens, badges and laptop stickers.

Renee Elamah, a Year 5 student at Pontlliw Primary School, said: “It was extraordinary to see real Welsh places designed so well in Minecraft. I particularly loved the castle.”

Isaac Davies,who is also a Year 5 student from Pontlliw Primary School said: “It was amazing and fun because there was loads of different Welsh places to explore. My favourite was Tenby!”

Year 5 teacher at Pontlliw Primary School, Matthew Stonham, added: “We had a wonderful afternoon with the big screen and CareersCraft.

“The children are so lucky to have the opportunity to find out about different careers that are available locally here in Wales through the medium of Minecraft.

They have been thoroughly engaged throughout and have loved seeing some of their favourite landmarks transformed into Minecraft worlds.”

Chief Executive of Careers Wales, Nikki Lawrence, said: “We’re thrilled to be launching such an innovative resource for children in schools to discover more about careers and their future options within the world of work.

“We hope that pupils have been able to have fun, engage with the familiar worlds linked to Welsh heritage, and develop their skills and interests as they go along.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to inspire and motivate the younger generation during a difficult time, as well as spread some joy and excitement just before Christmas.”

Education Minister Kirsty Williams said: “This is a really exciting project that is generating a lot of interest worldwide.

“CareersCraft is linked to the areas of learning in the new curriculum and is a fantastic way for school children to learn about themselves and the world of work.

“I would like to wish everyone at CareersWales the very best for this exciting launch and look forward to the new year when CareersCraft will be made available to all young people across Wales.”

To ensure safety and Covid-19 regulations are adhered to, the event took place entirely outside, children remained within their bubbles and all equipment was supplied by the school and used only by children sharing them within their bubbles. Any adults other than school staff attending the event will wore masks and practiced social distancing.

Whilst the resource is initially being made available through schools, access will then be extended in the new year to any young person in Wales with access to a laptop, tablet or games console.

Careers Wales will be launching the wider release of the game during an event in the new year.