Creative play and learning for Llanrhaeadr School pupils

Careers Wales has been shortlisted for a Careers Development Institute award, for the introduction of CareersCraft, an innovative resource designed to enhance careers learning for Welsh pupils.

The work by Careers Wales to design, develop and promote CareersCraft has been recognised in the ‘Use of Technology in Career Development’ category as part of CDI’s UK Career Development Awards and Fellowships for 2021.

Targeted at children aged between eight and 13, CareersCraft is a new Minecraft world designed to help encourage players learn more about work opportunities and the world of work as well as their own strengths and interests.

Careers Wales celebrated the launch of CareersCraft on the Hwb education resources platform in December by hosting live demos on big screens with pupils across Wales.

The events were hugely successful, with the project receiving fantastic feedback from staff and pupils alike.

Manon Watkins, teacher at Ysgol Llanrhaeadr Ym Mochnant said: “The world by Careers Wales is brilliant, each Welsh landmark linked to an Area of Learning and Experience (AoLE). We can’t wait to explore some more.”

Gareth Phillips, head of digital and communications, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted for a CDI award.

“CareersCraft is a hugely exciting new resource which we hope will raise the aspirations and expand the horizons of future generations.

“We’re very proud to have developed an innovative tool that uses creative play to encourage school pupils to start thinking about their careers from an early age.”

Mr Phillips added: “Our next steps are to continue to expand and develop our CareersCraft world, working with partners to add more content so it is available to all children in the country who have access to Minecraft Education whether that’s in school or virtually at home.”

To find out more about CareersCraft and how to access the resource please visit the Careers Wales CareersCraft webpage.