WISBECH is leading the way in providing career information and advice to primary school children. Three years ago the town hosted Cambridgeshire s first careers convention for 10 and 11 year olds. These conventions are now held all over the county.

WISBECH is leading the way in providing career information and advice to primary school children.

Three years ago the town hosted Cambridgeshire's first careers convention for 10 and 11 year olds.

These conventions are now held all over the county.

Wisbech Standard reporter ADAM LAZZARI attended the third convention called When I Grow Up I Want To Be....at Ramnoth Junior School yesterday.

An estimated 350 Year 6 children from schools across Wisbech and some of the surrounding villages got an insight into what their futures may hold at yesterday's event.

The Wisbech Schools Project, made up of head teachers from Wisbech primary schools, organised the convention with Cambridgeshire County Council.

Pam Clark, head of Clarkson Infant School and Nursery, said: "It's been a massive success.

"It enables children to realise what there is out there, to discover new opportunities, to understand why they are learning what they are learning in the classroom and to think about what they need to be doing to progress into their chosen career."

The pupils prepare for the convention in their schools and fill out an assessment when they return.

Lists are made of what school subjects are suitable for potential careers and typical structures of various careers.

Mrs Clark said: "We are really proud that Wisbech is leading the way in providing careers advice to primary school children. After the first event, in 2007, school heads from across Cambridgeshire visited the second one in 2008 and now they are being done all over the county."

Representatives from the police, Roddons Housing Association, Royal Marines and Cambridgeshire County Council and Wisbech-based photographer Dan Donovan were amongst those in attendance and reporter Adam Lazzari represented the Wisbech Standard.

He talked to budding journalist about the newspaper and website and various ways of progressing into journalism.

He interviewed Bethany Edwards, 10, and Laura Petrauskatie, 11, from Ramnoth Junior School, sent the interview to the office and showed the girls how it went on-line.

Bethany said: "I want to be a journalist when I'm older. I think it must be really exciting to be out there finding scoops."

Pupils from Leverington Primary School were amongst those in the first afternoon session.

Adam spoke to Sonia Patel, Premal Karavadara, Reuben Adams, all 11, and Bradley Norman, 10.

Reuben said: "I'd like to deliver newspapers. I want a normal job with no hassle."

Premal said: "I'm going to become a computer games designer. I love games and I'm good with computers."

Teaching assistant Maxine Dady said: "We come to this event every year and the children always look forward to it."

Mrs Clark spoke of how the convention has progressed in its three years.

She said: "We take feedback from children every year and it became clear that many were keen to learn about become vets and jobs in sport.

"We've had great difficulty finding a vet prepared to come along. They all say they are too busy. But we've managed to get one for the first time this year and his table has been very busy all day. We've even managed to start talking about holding an open day at his surgery."

Alex Dallas, owner of The London Road Veterinary Centre, in King's Lynn, said: "It's normal that children would be interested in learning about helping animals.

"If we can find some children who are serious about becoming vets then I'd be happy to hold an open day. We're hoping to do something in May or June.