Staff from Scottish Borders Housing Association (SBHA) have visited Tweedbank School in Galashiels to give children a taste of some possible future careers.

As part of the Association’s commitment to supporting young people and families in its communities, the Developing the Young Workforce programme of workshops in local schools saw Primary 6 and 7 pupils try out a range of practical skills, including joinery, plastering and plumbing. They also received an introduction to life skills such as IT and handling money.

The young workers spent time at seven different stations, each one set up to let them try out different activities related to a particular profession.

Explaining the rationale behind the visit, class teacher Kayleigh Glendinning said: “By exploring possible career routes with children, it is hoped that pupils will have a broader knowledge of career paths. Pupils can then begin to think about what they need to do in order to achieve these goals.

“Opening up pupils’ knowledge about what jobs are available can help them to reflect on what they would like to do when they enter the world of work.”

Pupils Cole McHutchinson and Katie Williams said: “We loved learning how to take apart a toilet and making our own pipe and testing it. When we are older, if there is a problem in our house, we will remember what you taught us! It was very useful for the future.”

Poppy Bashford added: “I liked the plastering because I somehow got half of the plaster on the floor. I don’t really know what I want to do when I’m older, but this day gave me a good idea of what some of the jobs are like.”

Chief executive of SBHA, Julia Mulloy, said: “I’d like to thank Tweedbank Primary School for welcoming our team into their classrooms and giving us the opportunity to raise awareness of the range of careers available in a housing association. It’s been a positive experience and we hope it’s been a small step towards developing the workforce of the future.”

SBHA was awarded Investors in Young People Accreditation in December 2016, in recognition of its commitment to young people.