THE third Dorset Skills Festival, currently taking place near Dorchester, has attracted teachers, employers and pupils from across the county and has been another resounding success.

More than 5,000 Year Ten pupils aged 14 and 15 from 40 secondary schools in Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset, explored their interests, and picked up a few more, at Kingston Maurward College.

After spending time choosing from some 95 exhibitors representing public and private companies and further educational establishments at what is the most pivotal of school ages, some were able to glimpse snapshots of their future careers.

The event was made possible thanks to funding from the Learning and Skills Council, South West Regional Development Agency.

Chairman of Dorset Skills Festival, Andrew Williams, said: "We have had a huge number of contributors and it has not been without a high cost to themselves, for which we are really grateful. They see it as their gift to young people.

"We are hoping to make this event part of the curriculum in the future."

Anna Pearcy, 14, and Katie Stanyon, 15, from St Edward's School in Poole, who both have an interest in animals, were introduced to 12-year-old mare Lulu by Alex Cowling, a student of the college's National Diploma in Horse Management course.

Katie said: "I like animals and I used to go to farms all the time. But I would quite like to do law as well, maybe something to do with working with families."

Meanwhile Josh Bennett, 14, from St Edward's School spent most of his time at the engineering exhibits.

"My favourite subjects are tech, maths and science and I like the sound of engineering so I may apply for an apprenticeship."

Clive A'Barrow, Michael Rokahr and Aaron Bonner, all from Winton Boys' School, were entertained by the paint balling range in the Army tent.

All three were treated to a look inside the Army Air Corps helicopter, which is used by the TA.

Army Air Corps officer Rob Crosby said: "If they are interested we put them on our data base and then we send them a DVD and a brochure."

Dan Pettifer, a PE teacher at Purbeck School in Wareham, was impressed with the event: "This is hands-on for the pupils and offers a chance to learn first- hand without being talked at by teachers."

Sara Day, representing Paragon Training, who sits on the skills event's steering group, agreed: "It's about learning different skills and trying things they've never done before. They could talk to employers and students themselves."