Volunteers from Lindum helped students at St Francis Special School in Lincoln try their hand at a number of potential careers at the school’s 2022 Industry Day on Tuesday 21 June.

Local businesses visited the school to demonstrate the kind of activities students might like to be involved with once they have moved on from education.

Students in Upper school, aged 14 to 19, had a chance to build a wall, paint doors, construct a bug hotel, help set up an outdoor trampoline and drive a mini digger, provided by Lindum Plant.

Lindum Contracts Manager Paul Jenkinson said: “It is good to give something back to the community, business isn’t just about making profit. It has been a lot of fun, I don’t know who had the most fun though, the students or us. I have been really impressed with the students’ capabilities and I really feel like they have got something out of today.”

Pupils also tried their hand at wiring, discovered the workings of a shower and a toilet and took part in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) investigation that culminated in the creation of a Tetrahedron that was almost as tall as the school hall.

Commenting on the day, Nick Wray, assistant headteacher at St Francis, who heads Upper school, said: “It was lovely to see the smiles on their faces, they have had a wonderful day. It was a chance for us the show the students what is out there and dismiss some perceptions of what kind of person can do certain jobs. It was amazing that these businesses wanted to come and work with us.”

For the students, the day proved to be a lot of fun, but just as informative. Kathryn Dirichleau explained: “I loved the painting. I painted a door! It helped me see what it was really like, I think I want to be a painter now.”

Amber Gregory and Ellie-May Whillock added that they particularly enjoyed the bricklaying and would like to know more about it.

The event was organised by heating and hot water specialists Aaron Services, while other businesses involved included construction company Galliford Try, outdoor equipment specialist Plum, woodland social enterprise Hill Holt Wood and electronic equipment provider Danfoss alongside North Kesteven District Council and City of Lincoln Council.

Kirstie Payne, head of bids and marketing at Aaron Services, who was responsible for bringing the businesses on board said: “We have had a few of the students from St Francis on work experience and they have all been great, we contacted our suppliers and businesses we work with to bring something to the school. We wanted to make it practical, something they could get involved with and something that would give them a fun and enjoyable day.”