Wigan pupils were introduced to the experts building their town's new railway station

Year 5 and Year 6 pupils from two Wigan schools enjoyed an exciting careers event, meeting the team from Murphy, who are developing the new Golborne railway station.

The event gave pupils from Hindley Green Community Primary School and St John’s Primary School, Hindley Green a unique opportunity to explore the wide range of careers involved in delivering a major construction project, showing them that there is much more to construction than building.

It was particularly pleasing to see female role models from the engineering world represented.

Throughout the morning, pupils visited five interactive careers stands:

• Project Management: Discovering how teams work together to deliver a successful project.
• Health and Safety: Learning how workers are kept safe on construction sites.
• Procurement and Commercial: Exploring how materials are purchased and project budgets are managed.
• Planning: Understanding how major projects are organised and delivered.
• Rail Training and People Team: Discovering how employees are recruited, trained and supported throughout their careers.

School bosses say it was fantastic to see pupils engaging with the activities, asking thoughtful questions and developing their understanding of the different roles and employability skills needed within the construction and rail industries.

A special highlight was seeing two of our pupils’ parents representing Murphy, giving them the opportunity to share their career experiences with their own children and their classmates.

Events like this help introduce children to the world of work from an early age, allowing them to explore different career paths and understand how the skills they develop in school can support their future ambitions.

The event also provided a valuable opportunity to challenge stereotypes and champion women in construction, inspiring pupils to consider careers they may not have previously thought possible.

Rachael, Quantitative Surveyor at Murphy, said:

“My daughter came to this school, and I think it’s really important, especially for girls, to see women working in construction. It’s about getting them involved and showing them what the industry is all about.”

Leo, Year 5 pupil at Hindley Green Community Primary School, said:

“My favourite part of today’s event is health and social care because, when I’m older, I want to be a paramedic.”