Children from Reception to Year 6 at Crocketts Community Primary School spent a day exploring jobs linked to environmental protection and sustainability as the school staged a dedicated sustainability Careers Fair.
Bringing classroom learning to real workplaces
The event was designed to connect what pupils learn in class with the types of roles they could pursue in future, from conservation and horticulture to renewable energy and sustainable transport. A range of local organisations delivered practical activities and demonstrations so pupils could try out tasks and ask questions directly to employers.
Organisations taking part included Timio, Hadley Group, Serco, Sandwell Council, Canal & River Trust, Enfinium and Groundwork West Midlands. Activities ranged from recycling challenges and planting flowers and vegetables to building bug hotels and investigating habitats in the school's Forest School area.
"This careers fair gave young people a fantastic opportunity to explore the jobs of the future while learning about sustainability and environmental responsibility."
Local services and family support on site
The school also hosted the Green Doctor bus, which provided demonstrations on energy efficiency and advice for making homes more sustainable. Families were able to access support and follow-up information after school. Parents were actively involved throughout the day, with one parent sharing professional advice on the safe disposal of batteries.
Pupils were able to see how technologies such as electric vehicles and renewable energy systems can reduce carbon emissions, and they examined air quality through sessions with Sandwell Council's Clean Air Champion, Auntie Duck. A nature photography competition encouraged families to explore local green spaces and engage with the area’s biodiversity.
Skills, aspiration and lifelong learning
The fair forms part of the school's wider Careers for Learning programme, which aims to broaden aspirations, challenge stereotypes about who does particular jobs, and show children the range of roles available in the local labour market. Visitors praised pupils' enthusiasm, teamwork and curiosity during the sessions.
- Hands-on activities: recycling challenges, planting, bug hotel construction
- Learning themes: biodiversity, conservation, transport, healthcare, energy efficiency
- Support on site: Green Doctor bus offering advice to families after school
| Organisation | Activity area |
|---|---|
| Serco | Recycling challenges |
| Canal & River Trust | Conservation and habitats |
| Groundwork West Midlands | Community environment projects |
The school livestreamed parts of the event to involve families who could not attend and organisers said the day was an opportunity to make abstract topics such as climate action and sustainable careers tangible for young children. By engaging employers and community groups, the fair sought to help pupils picture realistic future pathways while reinforcing local efforts to improve air quality and energy use.
Further information about the school’s Careers for Learning programme and similar community activities can be sought from Crocketts Community Primary School or Sandwell Council’s education and skills teams.
