A GROUP of Year 10 students from Queen Elizabeth’s School in Crediton took a trip to the South West Skills Show held at the Plymouth Pavilions, on Wednesday, March 1.

The region’s biggest skills, careers, jobs and apprenticeships event, it enabled QE students to discover what their future could hold.

The show was said to be "extremely interactive and visual", with companies going all out to show what they offer in a creative and hands-on way.

The students were able to try out new skills, talk to employers, find out about college courses, meet apprentices and try activities, challenges and enter competitions.

The "Get Skilled" stands were particularly impressive; Barratt Developments Ltd had a mini construction site set up where students could "have-a-go" at laying bricks to a screen wall, GHQ Training Ltd had a mini beauty salon, Vospers had a car where students could "have-a-go" at mechanical tasks.

On top of this, there were stands from the Police, Royal Navy and Royal Marines, British Army, Devon County Council, various Universities and many sources for school leaver programmes, and apprenticeship advice.

The event was a chance for the QE students to think more about what they may want to do, and which careers and industries they might be interested in.

“I was really interested in a Centre that works with people who have disabilities and special needs, I got some great information that I can now look in to further,” said Molly Harris, Year 10 student.

“I found a stand about Geology and I have always been interested in the mining industry!” added John Turner, also a QE Year 10 student.

Whether the students decide to continue education at QE’s "outstanding" Sixth Form, go to College or join an apprenticeship, the event enabled them to explore many different avenues and find out about the opportunities that are available to them.

Alan Quick