"Activities like these play an important role in equipping our future workforce with the skills and confidence they’ll need to succeed in a growing green economy."
Braintree District Council brought students from eight local schools together for an action‑packed day of green learning designed to highlight the importance of sustainability and future green careers.
Pupils from seven local primary schools - Great Bradfords, Lyons Hall, St Francis, White Notley, Bocking, St John the Baptist (Pebmarsh) and Beckers Green - together with pupils from Edith Borthwick special school, took part in a dedicated green skills, careers and tech day, thanks to the support of Braintree District Council and the Braintree District Cultural Education Partnership.
Held on Wednesday, 11 March, the event brought together 400 students for a rotation of eight interactive workshops showcasing how green skills connect to real‑world careers across the sustainability sector.
These workshops introduced pupils to a wide range of themes - from environmental monitoring, pollination and biodiversity to renewable energy, clean‑tech careers and sustainable design.
Through hands‑on activities such as building wind turbines and solar‑powered models, creating eco‑friendly costumes and wildlife setts, students developed practical skills and a deeper understanding of how they can help shape a greener future.
The children also had the chance to explore an electric vehicle which was on display throughout day.
The aim of the initiative is to encourage children to think about the rewarding career possibilities within the green sector, helping to build the foundations for a skilled future workforce.
Cllr Frankie Ricci, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Infrastructure at Braintree District Council, said: "This event shows just how eager our young people are to learn about green jobs of the future. By working with local partners, we’re giving children valuable opportunities to develop new skills which support both their learning and our community’s long-term sustainability goals. Activities like these play an important role in equipping our future workforce with the skills and confidence they’ll need to succeed in a growing green economy."
Justin Wrench, Headteacher at Great Bradfords Junior School and Chairman of Braintree District Council, said: “Events like this are invaluable for our pupils. They open children’s eyes to the real-world impact of sustainability and show them how the skills they learn in school connect to exciting future careers. The children came away inspired, curious, and full of ideas about how they can play their part in creating a greener future.”
This event has received £6,260 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.