Over 50 youngsters living in Thurrock braved the freezing temperatures last Thursday to ‘Have a Go’ at being a Physiotherapist, Personal Trainer, Sports Coach and more.

Palmer’s College hosted a ‘Have a Go’ Community event in the run up to the Olympic Games. Attendees were from schools across Thurrock including Gable Hall, Gateway Academy, Ockendon Academy, St Clere’s as well as students from neighbouring colleges.

The event was held on Thursday 9 February 2012 at the Palmer’s Sports and Fitness Centre. Six 45-minute taster workshops were on offer – these included: being a Physiotherapist, Personal Trainer, Sports Coach, Class Instructor, PE teacher and a Sports Journalist.

Mark Vinall, Principal of Palmer’s College said: “This was a great community event for Thurrock that provided a unique hands-on opportunity for anyone interested in a sports related career.”

Mansell Gothard from the Ockendon Academy said: “I’m really interested in being a personal trainer. The workshop gave me a chance to ‘have a go’ at being a personal trainer – it was fun!”

Danielle Robertson from the Gateway Academy said: “I love sport and had a great time trying out the different workshops. The Coaching workshop was brilliant!”

Project Manager of the event and PE teacher Ryan Hodgson, said: This event gave an excellent opportunity for young people in Thurrock to experience different types of occupations within the sports industry and to talk to professionals on their experiences and how to pursue their aspirations."

WorldSkills 'Have a Go' is part of the WorldSkills London competition and enables a fun, interactive, engaging way of getting people involved across the UK whilst learning a new skill. It offers a great way to ignite a passion to learn, and to provide expert information, advice and support needed to get on at work and in careers.

The College’s award-winning Careers Team were on hand to offer advice and guidance along with the Essex FA.