PUPILS at Dallam School were given a unique insight into the world of work during a special event.

For the first time, year nine students at the school were given the chance to meet with local firms to find out more about employment that could help inform their GCSE choices.

Teacher Rob Blyth said: “I am delighted to have such a wide range of employers here at Dallam and they are really helping the students understand both which subjects they will need for their futures and the importance of good grades.”

Around 20 companies took part in the event, including EDF Energy, ASDA, English Lakes Hotels, Billerud Beetham, and Kimberly-Clark.

And the session went down well with pupils, who said they had found speaking to the companies’ representatives informative.

Amy Eccleston said: “It was a very interesting morning and for every job you need to get at least Cs in your GCSEs and for many you need As.

“I also found out you can do an apprenticeship at 18 and go in as a graduate.”

Employers also said it was useful to talk to some of the younger pupils in the school, to help guide them in the right direction when it came to picking subjects based on what their longer-term plans may be.

Laura Jenkins from GlaxoSmithKline said: “We are developing a programme for schools and we really want to engage with the younger kids to emphasis science. We have a new £247 million facility in Ulverston, where we will need the very best science and engineering graduates.”

Vita Cressell, who was explaining Training 2000’s Dental Cadet Scheme, said: “It is an exciting opportunity to give schoolchildren an idea of the alternative routes into employment, especially apprenticeships.

“Many of them aren't aware of opportunities such as dental training.”