Larne Grammar and Larne High School students explore future careers through industry site visits
Students from Larne schools have been given a unique opportunity to explore future career pathways through a series of behind-the-scenes company visits.
Organised as part of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council's Activate Your Curiosity initiative, the visits saw a group of Year 14 students from Larne Grammar School attend Saint-Gobain Exterior Solutions in Larne.
There, they gained first-hand insight into the company's operations and learned about the wide range of career opportunities available within the manufacturing sector.
Students met with employees, explored the site, and discovered the diverse skills and qualifications required to pursue careers in the industry.
Meanwhile, a group of Year 11 students from Larne High School visited NI Water’s Greenisland Wastewater Treatment Works to learn more about careers within the construction sector.
The visit was particularly significant as the students are the first cohort in the school's history to undertake the new GCSE Construction course.
Delivered through a collaboration between Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, McAdam Design, GEDA / WSI and NI Water, the visit provided students with valuable insight into the planning, design, construction and maintenance of major infrastructure projects.
A particular highlight was the opportunity to hear directly from apprentices and graduates employed by NI Water, GEDA / WSI and McAdam Design.
The early careers speakers shared their own career journeys, experiences of entering the industry and the opportunities available through apprenticeships and vocational pathways.
Students were especially inspired to meet former Larne High School pupil Jessica Tsang, who is now progressing her career as a Graduate Engineer with McAdam Design.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, said: “Providing young people with opportunities to experience the workplace first-hand is an important part of helping them make informed choices about their future.
“Hearing directly from apprentices and employees helps bring career pathways to life and demonstrates the many opportunities available within our local businesses and industries, while building connections.”
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council continues to work closely with local businesses, maintaining strong relationships with employers across a range of sectors.
The Council welcomes opportunities to facilitate similar visits between schools and companies, helping to strengthen links between education and industry while inspiring the workforce of tomorrow.