SCOTLAND’S Deputy First Minister has been telling youngsters at Dunbar Primary School all about his job.

John Swinney visited the school last week as part of its annual World of Work programme.

The event, now in its fifth year, is a week-long programme of work and career-related activities for P7 pupils designed to develop children’s awareness, knowledge and skills for learning, life and work. It introduces pupils to a range of options for work or study, including modern apprenticeships and attending college or university.

Various speakers from the community, including family members, come into the school to discuss their job, how they progressed into it, and why they enjoy it.

Both Mr Swinney and East Lothian MSP Iain Gray spoke to pupils about their jobs and the skills they use on a daily basis, as well as life at Holyrood, which complemented the class’s recent study of the Scottish Parliament as part of their social studies work and a visit to the Parliament building last month.

Helen Gillanders, headteacher, said: “We were absolutely delighted to welcome so many informative speakers to our World of Work experience this year.

“The event is part of our P7 pupils’ transition programme and gives the children the opportunity to recognise the skills they already have, make connections between skills and the world of work, and discuss their interests, ambitions and next steps with parents and carers.

“We really aim to raise aspirations, and by welcoming speakers into school it allows the children to identify a wide range of careers that they may be interested in. Our pupils have really engaged with this year’s event and we were all really impressed with their thoughtful questions.”

Other high-profile speakers included a paediatric oncologist from Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for Sick Children, an emergency planning officer from Torness Power Station, and a professor of linguistics from the University of Edinburgh.

Also on the list of 18 speakers were a pathologist, mechanical engineer, stonemason, gas engineer, physiotherapist, lecturer and police officer.

Jaclyn Eeles, depute headteacher and World of Work co-ordinator, added: “Each year we have over 150 pupils taking part.

“We always aim for the classes to hear a variety of talks and our wonderful parents and carers, family members and the local community make this possible.

“We would like to thank the 18 speakers for giving up their time to support Dunbar Primary School.”