Reaseheath pilot gives Nantwich pupils hands-on experience of future careers
Pupils from Wrenbury Primary School and Malbank School have completed a six-month programme at Reaseheath exploring horticulture, food science, sustainability and food production.
By Nantwich News
Young people from two Nantwich-area schools have completed a six-month pilot programme designed to give them practical experience of potential future careers.
Pupils from Wrenbury Primary School and Malbank School and Sixth Form College took part in the project at Reaseheath College and University Centre.
Rather than relying solely on classroom-based learning, the programme introduced pupils to practical activities covering horticulture, food science, sustainability and food production.
The aim was to give participants an early understanding of the range of careers available across science, technology, engineering, food, farming and environmental industries.
During visits to the Reaseheath campus, pupils were able to work in specialist facilities and learn more about subjects that can lead to further study, apprenticeships and employment.
The initiative also sought to demonstrate how subjects studied at school can be applied to real jobs and industries.
Reaseheath Assistant Principal Sharon Yates said the pilot had provided pupils with valuable early insight into the different pathways available to them.
The college also reported a positive impact on attendance and attainment among those involved in the programme.
Providing younger pupils with practical experience is increasingly important for industries facing skills and recruitment challenges, particularly agriculture, food production, environmental management and technical occupations.
The Nantwich area has strong connections with agriculture and the food sector, making access to specialist education and training particularly relevant to the local economy.
Reaseheath offers further and higher education across a range of land-based, environmental, food and technical subjects, alongside apprenticeship routes.
The pilot concluded with a celebration event at the college, bringing together participants and those involved in delivering the programme to recognise the pupils' achievements.
Following the completion of the six-month project, the experience will provide a basis for assessing how similar partnerships between schools and specialist education providers could help young people explore career options before making decisions about their future education and training.