Pupils see how to aim high for future (From Free Press Series)

Pupils see how to aim high for future

A ROADSHOW toured schools in Pontypool to encourage children to "make something of themselves" and to aim high.

The Aim Higher Roadshow was at Trevethin Community School recently to boost the image of higher education with Year 9 pupils.

After two years of success, the roadshow has gained another year's funding, allowing it to continue into the new year.

The roadshow team was accompanied by CITB-Construction Skills staff and the event was aimed at opening up the world of opportunity available to children when they leave school.

Group 9T, from Trevethin Community School, said they enjoyed the day and felt it helped them make career decisions.

The roadshow team demonstrated that all paths do not necessarily lead to university and staff were eager to show that around 86,000 new career opportunities can be found in construction every year.

The day provided pupils with an insight into varied careers such as civil engineering and project management.

Sian Jones, 14, of Trevethin School, said: "I think it was very good and that there was a lot of information. It made me and my friends think."

The Aim Higher Roadshow is a joint initiative of the Assembly and Nat West, and it also visited students at St Albans Roman Catholic School on Thursday.

Joseph Mattel, 13, from St Albans School, said: "It has helped me with my decisions.

"I think it was a very good video and I hope to see the roadshow again some day."

Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning Jane Davidson said: "Aim Higher is about enabling young people to realise their potential by making sure that they are aware of their opportunities and understand exactly what university can offer them.

"Too many of our talented young people, particularly those with no family background of higher education, still believe that higher education is not for them, but I am fully committed to dispelling the myths and breaking down perceived barriers," she added.