PUPILS at Tweedbank Primary have had the chance to learn some new skills, thanks to the Scottish Borders Housing Association.

During the event, 13 SBHA staff gave the children a taste of some possible future careers and let the P6 and P7 classes try out a range of different jobs including joinery, plastering and plumbing.

The young workers spent time at seven different stations and received an introduction to life skills such as IT and handling money.

Alyson Weir, the headteacher of Tweedbank Primary said: “The young people were kitted out with all the right equipment and got hands on under the careful guidance and tutoring of a range of experienced tradesmen and women. 

“The children thoroughly enjoyed their experience and, as was intended, it has set their thoughts racing about potential future careers. 

“Tweedbank Primary intends to continue this type of work linking with businesses and professions to inform our young people early, to promote high aspirations for their futures.”

After the session, pupils wrote a letter of thanks to the housing association.

Pupils Cole McHutchinson and Katie Williams said: “We loved learning how to take apart a toilet and making our own pipe and testing it. When we are older, if there is a problem in our house, we will remember what you taught us! It was very useful for the future.”

Poppy Bashford added: “I liked the plastering because I somehow got half of the plaster on the floor. I don’t really know what I want to do when I’m older, but this day gave me a good idea of what some of the jobs are like.”

SBHA chief executive Julia Mulloy, said: “I’d like to thank Tweedbank Primary School for welcoming our team into their classrooms and giving us the opportunity to raise awareness of the range of careers available in a housing association. It’s been a positive experience and we hope it’s been a small step towards developing the workforce of the future.”