POLICE officers and firefighters swooped on a village school as journalists interviewed pupils and lawyers handed out advice.
But this was no major incident – instead, pupils at Cleadon Village Primary School were being given some welcome career advice.
Parents from professions of all backgrounds gathered at the school to talk to children about their jobs.
It was the school’s fifth annual careers fair, and it proved its most successful to date, as more than 200 pupils from schools across the village took part.
Restaurateurs, police officers, solicitors, architects, teachers, journalists and café owners were among just a few of the trades represented at the day.
Karen Paterson, a Year 6 teacher at the school, said: “Parents have been so generous with their time and have set up stalls to help explain to the children what it is they do.
“We know there are a lot of careers days at secondary schools, but we think it’s a good idea to get our 10 and 11-year-olds thinking about this kind of thing at the earliest possible time.”
And the day proved a hit with the youngsters.
Charlotte Beech, 10, said: “I especially enjoyed talking to Craig Fitzakerly, who is an architect in Sunderland. He showed us a realistic model and an interesting Powerpoint presentation.
“He has made me really interested in architecture.”
Laura Roberts, 10, added: “I really enjoyed the whole morning as I found out about lots of different careers.
“Luisa Minchella from Happy Organics in Cleadon Village showed us how to make healthy smoothies, which were delicious.”
Neve Oliver, 10, said: “I enjoyed the whole morning, but particularly the police talk because we got the opportunity to dress up, do role play and experience lots of the equipment. It was great fun.”
Alex Tate, 10, added: “The entire morning was fantastic.
“My favourite career was the nurse, as she told me lots of facts about different parts of the body, and she made mini casts on everybody’s fingers. It was great fun.”
Jessica Taylor, 10, said: “I really enjoyed the whole morning, but especially the vet. She told us all of the qualities and qualifications we need to be a vet. I really enjoyed it.”
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