SCHOOLCHILDREN have discovered a range of job opportunities in travel and tourism after visiting Manchester Airport.

Around 180 pupils from various Winsford schools have been learning in the classroom about different industries this year as part of Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Raising Aspirations Project.

Their work culminated in a trip to Manchester Airport where they took part in activities which complemented the national curriculum and gave an insight into a future career at the airport.

Children took part in role play scenarios as check in desk staff and customers. This challenge tested their maths skills as they weighed suitcases to ensure they were within the required limit.

Pupils also had the chance to pose as security staff, scanning each other and looking at the images on the x-ray scanner.

They were shown around the airport and met with various people who carry out a diverse range of jobs such as the foreign currency exchange team, retail staff, engineers, cleaners and baggage staff.

The children were even taken up the old air traffic control tower which gave them views across Manchester.

Cllr Nicole Meardon, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “This visit provided our school children with valuable experiences which we hope will inspire them and make them consider the different types of jobs they could aspire to in the future.

“The children met lots of people doing jobs that they wouldn’t have thought of. The airport created worksheets and quizzes to ensure the children were thinking about different careers during the day.

“They also linked the real world jobs with the national curriculum subjects. This would make the classroom learning they do back in school come to life and motivate them in their future studies.”

Pupils from Hebden Green Special School, Oaklands Special School, Darnhall Primary School, Grange Primary School and Over St John’s Primary School were inspired by the visit.

Lea Van Rensburg, a parent of one of the pupils on the trip, said: “The outing to Manchester Airport was a positive experience for my daughter Elyse and all of her classmates. The run up to the trip was very exciting and she was looking forward to seeing how it all works and all the work involved in making things run smoothly.

“It gave all the children an insight into the real world of different job roles. Outings like this are a positive part of our children’s learning experiences and I hope that many others have the opportunity to visit Manchester Airport in the future.”

Andrew Robinson, head of sixth form at Oaklands School in Winsford, said: “Year nine pupils and staff at Oaklands School really enjoyed a fantastic and inspirational visit to Manchester Airport.

"They took part in a range of exciting and interactive activities, learning about different careers at the airport. They got to experience a watch tower and work on a checkout as well as a tour of the terminal. We hope to go again next year.”

Wendy Sinfield, community relations manager at Manchester Airport, said: “We were delighted to welcome pupils from across Winsford to the airport for a taste of airport life. We hope trying out some of the different roles available here will have helped them with their school work, and even inspired them for future careers.

“Manchester Airport works with thousands of children across the region every year on fun and interactive educational sessions, and we are so pleased that the pupils and teachers find these to be both enjoyable and valuable.”

The Raising Aspirations Project is part of the council’s Winsford Whole Place Programme. It will become even more beneficial to young people if other industries or colleges are willing to offer their support by introducing the children to the world of further education and employment.

Any businesses interested in taking part can register by contacting Janet Kolita on janet.kolita@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk.