Oldham School Hosts Successful Careers Fair

Oldham Hulme Grammar School presented children with a world of opportunities thanks to a successful Prep Careers Fair.

Young people, aged seven to 11, were given a unique opportunity to explore a variety of career paths at the big event yesterday. 

The Chamber Road School brought together professionals from a diverse range of sectors including the arts, sport, law, dentistry, entrepreneurship, science, politics and media.  

Local businesses, alumni and partners of Hulme Grammar School – such as The Palace Theatre, Oldham Athletic, Addleshaw Goddard Law Firm, Manchester Biomedical Research and Greater Manchester Fire Service— shared insights into their professions through hands-on activities, engaging discussions, and real-world demonstrations. 

Katie Flett, Head of Futures at the school, shared her excitement about the event: “It’s been great – busy and energetic. The children were really excited. Everybody has been asking ‘aren't primary school children too young to be thinking about careers’ but this is stereotyped.  

“It only takes one conversation to spark an interest in a particular career path which gets the children thinking.” 

Hulme Grammar School said it remains committed to fostering ambition and aspiration in all its students and the Prep Careers Fair formed part of the school's broader strategy to deliver high-quality career education and strengthen connections with the local business community. 

Sophie Hunt, School Engagement Manager for Oldham Athletic Community Trust said they offered various opportunities other than football, which included physical education, coaching, sports therapist roles, and outreach projects. 

She said: “Most children want to be footballers, but we are here to talk about other opportunities as well. 

“Primary school children are not young to think about careers.  I wanted to be a police officer at a young age, and I did become a police officer and now I am here.” 

Stephanie Townley, Partner, and Rebecca Aitken, Associate at Addleshaw Goddard Law Firm, said children were asking many questions about the role of a lawyer and what it involved. 

They added: “We introduced the work of a lawyer, and the young people were asking what the role involved. We would say a decent handful of young people said they would consider a career within this field. This careers fair was an opportunity for us to help broaden their mindset.” 

Abbas, aged 10, said he wanted to become a barrister as he had been speaking to his uncle who is now a judge. 

He said: “I have done my research, and I believe you need A-Levels, university degree and practice training.” 

Alice, also 10, said her dream was to become a rollercoaster engineer, adding: “I think it’s a really cool career and I am looking into it.”