IMAGINATION, teamwork and practical skills were all put to the test at an end-of-year careers event for students at a Fenland secondary school.

Surviving in the jungle after a plane crash, building an armchair out of 60 balloons and recruiting the right sort of people to help run a hotel were three of the thought-provoking challenges faced by about 200 Year 9 students.

They were among a series of workshops in the day-long event at Cromwell Community College, Chatteris, before the end of the summer term.

The event was organised by Fenland District Council and the Fenland Enterprise in Education (FEE) project.

Other activities included one led by FEE manager Katie Hart that looked at improving students’ confidence and how to communicate effectively in the workplace.

Another, run by Shari Khan, head of business training company Trainsform, examined people’s personalities and how best to manage conflicting personalities at work.

Councillor Chris Seaton, the council’s portfolio holder responsible for business and skills development, said: “This was another very successful event to finish off the school year.”

Teacher Jillian Clarke said: “The event provided a fantastic insight into the workplace and it was well tailored to our students’ needs.

“Cromwell has enjoyed working with FEE and Fenland District Council over the past year and is looking forward to further events that will help our students progress in the future.”