PUPILS made the next steps towards their futures and explored what pathways they might take towards their dream careers.

Caldew School held its World at Work Day giving students from years nine to 13 information and ideas of what they could go on to do.

Those with a career in mind were given helpful advice of how to get there. For others still figuring out what it is they would like to do, the day helped them narrow down their options and helped find careers that catered towards their strengths.

Some year nine pupils were given the chance to tour Northumbria University, while others were given taster sessions at Carlisle College.

Back at school, groups worked through the school’s online careers platform Kudos, before exploring what local businesses and training providers had to offer at a careers fair in the school hall.

Among those surprised by his options was 13-year-old Charlie Crawford. Kudos suggested he could go on to become a music therapist or an architect, both careers he is interested in pursing.

He then spoke to a number of stallholders at the careers fair. He found out he could do something in the Army with his music or even become an engineer.

He said: “I kind of wanted to be an architect from the start but I didn’t know I could do things with my music.”

Charlie joined the school orchestra as a drummer two years ago and has continued to play ever since he also enjoys design and technology.

Lucy Hunter, 17, wants to be a doctor having been interested by the sciences since GCSE. Now studying A level, biology, chemistry and physics, she is considering going on to study at Glasgow.

“I thought it would be something I was good at doing,” she said. “I have been given information on how I can get work experience and day events I can go to.”

Abi Pilner got the result she wanted from Kudos, to become a speech therapist. She found the career fair useful to get more information about how to get the qualifications she needed and what options to consider at GCSE.

The 13-year-old said: "[Kudos] tells you what job would be best for you so you can tell if you are going in the right path. I want to be a speech therapist and that's what it came up with."

Aimee Corner, also 13, likes drawing and is now considering becoming an illustrator or interior designer and their friend Megan Franks , 13, has her heart set on midwifery.

She said: "I like the idea of helping people and bringing a baby into the world."

Carlisle City Council, Cumbria Police, Carlisle United, Newton Rigg College also at the event.