All Saints' CE Primary, a busy and friendly school located on Church Street in Clayton le Moors, took the time to host business visitors in a special assembly featuring every year group.
Gordon Preston, outdoor learning leader was keen to hear What More's vision about the future of plastic, and local tech company Sundown Solutions attended to talk about cyber security and career paths as developers.
As part of an #AmazingAccrington initiative to bring schools and employers closer together, Tony Grimshaw of What More was keen to explain to the school that ‘Not all Plastic is Drastic', and although the government are bringing in measures to eliminate avoidable plastic waste - such as plastic straws, their products offer a sustainable use of plastic, being re-usable, durable, and recycling other plastic items such as margarine tubs, with a zero to landfill approach.
Heath Groves, CEO of Sundown Solutions, was keen to show students at an early age that working in software development and cyber security is similar to using the gaming devices they use at home, and requires the same skills. This will help them in their future career paths and inspire them to join this rapidly growing industry.
What More director Tony Grimshaw OBE, explained: "This generation are very aware of environmental issues, and it's great to be able to explain to them our green credentials and how not all plastic is bad. Hopefully we'll see some of them in the future as apprentices!"
Heath Groves of Sundown Solutions added: "It was fantastic to hear that many pupils had already heard of Sundown, due to us sponsoring 37 local grass roots football teams a year. Our field of work is expanding very rapidly and it's not easy to explain cyber security and how that works day to day - but most of the pupils have some sort of gaming device. We may see some of them as developers in the years to come!"
Murray Dawson, chair of Amazing Accrington, commented: "It's a pleasure to showcase Amazing Accrington businesses to over 240 pupils, who were all keen to learn more - with over 1700 registered businesses in Hyndburn, there is a future career for everyone."
#AmazingAccrington have launched a new area of their website for Opportunities, showcasing education, training, apprenticeships and opportunities. This can be found here: https://opportunities.amazingaccrington.co.uk
Sundown Solutions has partnered with Accrington-based training provider North Lancs Training Group (NLTG) to fill vacancies on Apprenticeships, Accrington and Rossendale College to fill vacancies on Degree Apprenticeships, and IN4 for vacancies in Vocational Training. They wish to ensure they recruit local people, who don't need to have a technical background. They have open vacancies. If you have the drive and determination they are looking for, apply now via www.sundownsolutions.com
What More UK manufactures storage boxes and housewares of all kinds including bakeware, around-the-sink items, products for the home laundry, utility room, and items for the garden like planters and troughs. What More's products are all made here in East Lancashire and are sold in 75 countries around the world. You can see more on their website: www.whatmoreuk.com
Picture caption: l-r Heath Groves of Sundown Solutions, Murray Dawson, Chair of Amazing Accrington and Tony Grimshaw of What More with pupils from All Saints' Primary School