JAMES Rennie School in Carlisle have held their annual careers fair for their students.

Employers from around the region, including Cumbria Police, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and Nestle, came together to engage with the children and talk to them about potential careers.

James Rennie School serves children from North Cumbria aged between 3 and 19 who have severe or profound learning disabilities.

Children from across the school were given the opportunity to sit in a fire engine, try on a police officer’s hat and scan library books.

“It’s a great opportunity for our pupils to see everything they have available to them” said assistant headteacher, Oliver Wilson.

“The employers here have been amazing and have made everything adaptable so all our pupils can enjoy the fair.”

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Employers across the fair all spoke of how important it was to get out and engage with their local communities.

“It’s massively important for us to be here today,” said members of Green Watch at Carlisle East Fire Station.

“It perfectly fits with our three main duties of prevent, protect and respond. We’re not just fire fighters but also community ambassadors.”

Local employment charity Inspira helped organise the event.

“It has been a privilege to help the school organise their annual Careers Fair” Michelle Wiggins, Marketing Communications Lead for Inspira said.

“This year’s event builds upon the success of last years which received positive feedback and was thoroughly enjoyed by the pupils as it was interactive, accessible, and inclusive for all.”

“It is so important to be able to offer the school community the opportunity to meet local businesses/organisations to find out about the careers options that are available them, along with ensuring local employers understand that the students can make valuable contributions to their business and the wider local economy.” 

“We can’t thank the businesses involved enough, as without their generous support we wouldn’t have been able to go ahead with this vital event.”

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