Hulme Grammar School hosts Careers Fair for pupils to explore future jobs

More than 200 primary school pupils from Oldham attended an inspiring Careers Fair hosted at Hulme Grammar School, giving young learners the opportunity to explore future careers.

The marketplace-style event brought together a selection of Hulme Grammar School's industry partners from 18 organisations spanning science, engineering, technology, transport, construction, education, the arts and the armed forces. 

Pupils from Hulme Grammar's Prep School, Coppice Primary Academy and Werneth Primary School explored a wide range of careers and imagined what the future of work could be like. 

Highlights included a robotic arm demonstration from 2M Automation, where students saw coding concepts brought to life, and a model of Manchester’s Palace Theatre, showcasing the many careers involved in theatre production.  

Purple.ai demonstrated how artificial intelligence can be used to create illustrated stories, while Eureka! the National Children's Museum introduced pupils to careers in science communication. 

The Manchester Cancer Research Centre and the University of Manchester brought microscopes for hands-on scientific exploration, while Northern Rail highlighted careers such as train driver and conductor.  

Representatives from Hilti (pictured below) discussed opportunities in sales, construction and human resources demonstrating some of the tools they develop, manufacture and sell, and students also met professionals from AECOM, Saddleworth Hydro, Kip McGrath Tutoring, Infinity Dance School, the Army, X-Cellr8's animal-free testing laboratory and J. Greenwood Builders. 

Parents and alumni contributed their expertise, including careers in automotive services through OMC Ford and software and AI innovation through Adebola Ibiyode. Hulme Grammar's own Head of Marketing & Communications, Miah Chaudhry, shared her enthusiasm for her profession to the young people who were excited to learn how creativity can be incorporated into commercial roles. 

Mike Turner, Head of Futures at Hulme Grammar School, said: “The purpose of the day was to introduce children to a wide variety of careers and to help them begin making connections between what they learn in school and the opportunities available to them in the future. 

“At this age, it is not about choosing a career, but about broadening horizons, raising aspirations and helping young people understand that their interests, talents and learning can open many different doors. As workplaces experience another technical revolution, adaptability and a willingness to keep learning throughout your working life will be essential skills for success in a fast-changing job market.” 

Adebola Ibiyode, CEO and Founder of CarbonAI added: “Meeting the students and answering their questions was the highlight of the day. Their curiosity, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn were truly inspiring. It was a brilliant event that showcased the endless possibilities available to our future leaders and innovators, and a reminder of the importance of encouraging young people to dream big and explore technology.” 

The event formed part of Hulme Grammar School’s Brenda Mills Institute, bridging the gap between education and industry and their ongoing commitment to helping young people develop an understanding of the opportunities available to them and the skills they will need for the future world of work.