PRESTATYN and Rhyl pupils have received a helping hand in developing their futures.

More than 1,400 students from secondary schools across Denbighshire have been given the chance to speak directly to business leaders as part of Denbighshire County Council’s Ready for Work programme.

Pupils of Ysgol Tir Morfa, Rhyl High and Prestatyn High school met with representatives of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, North Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Barclays, the Armed Forces, Kronospan, Kier Construction, Wynne Construction and the Food Technology Centre, as well as representatives from higher and further education providers.

Sheryl Moore, corporate social responsibility manager for Kier Construction, the firm undertaking the construction of Christ the Word Catholic School in Rhyl, said: “The Ready to Work events were a great success as it enabled the pupils to learn about so many different career options and companies.

“The event was useful as it enabled a dialogue with many different schools and different students so having a significant impact in a short time frame.”

Ready for Work provides young people with enhanced mentoring support, extra careers advice as well as working with employers to develop workplace skills and to receive practical career advice.

Also taking part at events in Prestatyn, Denbigh and Llangollen were pupils of Denbigh High School, Ysgol Brynhyfryd in Ruthin, St Brigid’s School in Denbigh and Ysgol Dinas Bran, Llangollen.

Cllr Huw Hilditch-Roberts, lead member for education, children and young people, said: “Ready for Work offers young people in Denbighshire the chance to get vital career information and helps them develop an understanding of the world of work.

“It is important we support them and provide them with the right tools to find the career that is right for them.

“Working with employers directly is a major part of Ready for Work, which is part of our work to give young people the best start in life and develop skills that help them thrive.”

Nikki Lawrence, chief executive of Careers Wales, said: “Pupils are often uncertain about what they can do with their future and the direction to take.

“This is why it’s so important that pupils come to events, such as the Ready for Work events, to explore all the options that are available to them.

“Being able to talk to employers and current apprentices first-hand about what is on offer in different sectors in North Wales is extremely helpful for pupils as they can see how to capture these opportunities themselves.”