Snakes alive! St Albans school looks at alternative careers choices

Snakes, cakes and hand massages were on offer at an interesting - and unusual - careers day at a secondary school in St Albans recently.

Year 11 pupils at Sandringham School, The Ridgeway, were offered a taste of the world of work at the “You’re Hired” event which was aimed at introducing them to a myriad employment possibilities available post-GCSE.

Oaklands College, Hatfield Road, brought along snakes, cakes and offered hand massages as an introduction to its animal care, hospitality and catering and beauty, massage therapies and media make-up courses.

Also on hand were 30 volunteers, mostly parents of existing students, who donated their time to offer information on their area of expertise and conduct mock interviews.

Rob Freeland, performance director Year 11, said the day was invaluable for students “who are on the cusp on making life-changing decisions to benefit from the professional experience of a group of successful individuals.”

And while coming to grips with visiting snakes did not exactly encourage pupils to emulate the late Crocodile Hunter Steve Hunter, two have been left pondering a possible future working with animals.

Francesca Hammond said: “I’m interested in going into psychology so I don’t think I’ll have the chance to work with snakes – but I’d like one as a pet!”

Luke Collins added: “I hadn’t thought about working with animals, but after this experience it’s something I might consider. The day gave me a real insight into areas I hadn’t ever contemplated.”