Youngsters at Ysgol Bryn Alyn learn about careers and gain inspiration from BBC panel

Youngsters at a Wrexham secondary school have had the chance to find out the world of work and potential job prospects.

BBC Cymru Wales BBC Bitesize visited Ysgol Bryn Alyn (YBA), in Gwersyllt, earlier this month as part of the school’s Careers and Aspirational Day.

Alex Humphreys (presenter and journalist from BBC Wales) hosted the panellists Colette Hume (journalist / presenter BBC Wales), Tomos Owen (Business owner Swig Smoothies) and Beth Cole (Director of Populi Media – Website Design) for an interactive event with all year groups.

The guest speakers shared their own journeys into the media industry and setting up their own businesses – as well as discussing the impact of Covid.

Speaking after the event, students praised the panel, with one Year 11 pupil stating “It really has set me up for the final push for my examinations.”

Year 7 and 8 pupils said: “The event was so good! I’ve gone home and started to think about what I really want to do when I am older – I have a plan now.”

Year 7 students Oleri Derbyshire and Millie Jones both said “ We found the event really interesting and were especially inspired by Tomos Owen’s story about creating a Smoothie Business”.

The event featured as part of the YBA REACH Programme, which aims to support learners to become enterprising, creative contributors who are ready to play a full part in life and work.

Rob Ransome, Senior Assistant Headteacher said: “This has been a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to learn the importance of academic and life skills, particularly of how they can support career aspirations.

“Today’s event has really helped our pupils to understand the importance of this and has sent the pupils away really inspired”