Some 450 pupils and teachers came together from 33 schools across the North Eastern Education and Library Board’s area and beyond for a Workskills Showcase event at Antrim Forum.
A total of 13 organisations exhibited a range of career opportunities to the pupils, all of whom have special educational needs.
After a welcome from Antrim Mayor Councillor Adrian Watson, Assistant Senior Education Officer with the North Eastern Board Geoffrey McGeagh expressed the hope that the visitors to the event would pick up some ideas about the type of work they might look for after they leave school which they could talk about with their teachers and parents.
“This Workskills Showcase provides hands-on activities that bring the world of work and training to life,” Mr McGeagh commented. “It enables our young people to find out about careers, training and skills in a fun and interesting way”.
He praised the link with the business community which was well represented at the event organised by the Board’s Transition Service and funded by the Department of Education’s Business Education and Strategy Unit.
The Northern Regional College demonstrated hairdressing, catering, animal care and motor vehicle maintenance. The Park Plaza Hotel presented table setting and napkin folding skills. The College of Agriculture at Greenmount showcased potting plants.
Dunnes Stores demonstrated pricing goods and shelf displays. Sainsbury’s staff showed the young people the range of tasks carried out in their stores. Dr B’s Kitchen showed how to cook a stirfry.
Antrim Borough Council provided an opportunity for some curling in the extensive space at the Forum. Ballymena Borough Council’s Environmental Health department presented a range of health and safety clothing and techniques.
Other organisations taking part were Triangle Supported Employment, The Prince’s Trust, the Department of Employment and Learning, the Cedar Foundation and the North Eastern Board’s Transition Service.
School groups which visited the Workskills Showcase were:
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Ballee Community High
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Ballymoney High
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Castle Tower
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Coleraine College
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Cross and Passion College
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Downshire School
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Dunclug College
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EOTAS
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Glengormley High
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Glenveagh
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Hazelwood Integrated College
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Hillcroft
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Jordanstown
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Kilronan
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Larne High
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Little Flower Girls’ School
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Magherafelt High
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Monkstown Community High
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Newtownabbey EGC
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Our Lady of Lourdes High
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Parkhall Integrated College
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Roddensvale
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Rosstulla
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Rossmar
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Sandelford
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Slemish College
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Sunlea EGC
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St Benedict’s College
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St Mary’s College
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St Patrick’s College, Ballymena
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St Patrick’s College
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Maghera
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St Pius X College
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Thornfield School.
