HIGH school pupils got a valuable insight into the world of work at a careers convention that is believed to be one of the biggest in the country.

Last Thursday St. Mary’s Catholic High School at Astley hosted its 23rd Careers Convention which over the years has regularly attracted over 200 representatives from 130 different occupations, training boards and universities to advise upper school students about their future.

Event organiser and Assistant Director of Learning, Mr Dave Philpot welcomed advisors who had travelled from throughout England to advise the students and other members of the Kingsbridge Education Improvement Partnership about the necessary qualifications and available training opportunities.

He said: "At a time when the country is still facing an economic downturn, the world of work is rapidly changing and more emphasis is now being placed on the students making informed and realistic career decisions."

St Mary's head Mr Andrew Dawson was delighted by the high number of students and parents who attended and thanked the employers who freely gave up their time to advise the students.

He said: "To see so many firms being represented shows the great effort the school has made to develop links with industry. This will surely help the students to succeed in the world of work."