“The pupils asked really thought-provoking questions’ was the assessment from host Yussek Rafik after BBC Bitesize Careers Roadshow came to Pleckgate. Pupils from Years 7-10 were introduced to three guest speakers who told the pupils about their jobs, how they got there and what they enjoy about their careers.
Class of 1997 Pleckgate pupil Reyhana Ismael, who is an illustrator and designer of mainly children’s books, was one of the panel alongside Nathanial Hutchinson, a producer on BBC Sport, and Ermal Sadiku, a University technician, as the roadshow is run in partnership with Technicians: We Make A Difference.
Year 9 Amy said: “I liked it as everyone talked about their different jobs and it was interactive.”
Harris said: “It was enjoyable. My favourite person on the panel was Nathanial as he talked about football and that was interesting!”
The pupils were told about BBC Bitesize and all the information available on the website about the different career paths and which qualifications they may need. They got to ask the panel questions about their careers through an interactive rugby ball, which had a microphone. The Pleckgate pupils asked about wages, the biggest accomplishments of the panel, their dream job as a child and if they had to overcome any obstacles.
Reyhana said: “It’s lovely to come back, even though it’s a different building to what I was in at school. I wanted to bake and sell cakes when I was around Year 9! I didn’t even know what I wanted to do when I was 19 but I was always creative.”
Nathanial said: “I wanted to be a footballer when I was younger but now I get to find out the stories behind the footballers and athletes. We got some quite unexpected questions here!” Ermal said: “It’s my first time on the BBC Bitesize Career Roadshow Panel but I have enjoyed coming to Pleckgate.”
Yussef said: “I enjoy hosting these events and coming into schools. It’s my first time at Pleckgate and they are really nice kids who are engaged and have asked some thought-provoking questions.”
