Students from Bovington Academy and Bere Regis Primary School took a trip to Dorset Innovation Park recently for Creative Careers week.

Organised by Dorset Council in collaboration with Dorset Careers Hub, the event gave young people the chance to explore careers in STEM – science, technology, engineering, and maths – at the BattleLab innovation space.

Together they engaged in hands-on challenges like designing clay boats and paper planes, playing Segway games and coding for popular video game Roblox.

The sessions were led by local businesses based at the innovation park alongside the council’s own Digital Dorset team.

It was all in the name of the Start Small, Dream Big initiative, a free programme from Dorset Careers Hub for primary schools across the county.

Cllr Richard Biggs, deputy leader of Dorset Council and cabinet member for property & assets and economic growth, was there on the day.

“Dorset Council supports initiatives like Start Small, Dream Big to inspire the next generation and showcase the exciting career opportunities available in our county,” he said.

“By sparking curiosity and creativity in STEM, we aim to help young people dream big while supporting the growth of our local economy.

“Dorset is full of potential for future entrepreneurs and innovators, and it’s crucial we show our children that these opportunities are within their reach.”

The Start Small, Dream Big programme encourages children, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds, to explore future careers and understand the variety of jobs available in the workforce.

Claire Dunn, who heads up the project at Dorset Careers Hub, added: “This visit brought education and industry together to inspire young minds.

“By giving students hands-on experience with real-world applications of technology, we hope to ignite a passion for STEM and help them envision themselves as part of Dorset’s innovative future.”

• dorsetcareershub.co.uk/start-small–dream-big