A stonemason, dental hygienist, florist, intensive care nurse and 3D printer were among the 12 exhibitors on hand to give hundreds of primary school children a glimpse into the world of work.

Year 5 students from eight primary schools converged on Dunmow St Mary’s on Tuesday for the careers fair. Twelve exhibitors, largely made up of parents, gave demonstrations and displays to show what they do.

Three groups of pupils visited the fair throughout the day, with 100-120 children at any one time browsing the displays.

The fair co-ordinator Heather Read, a governor at The Rodings Primary School, said: “It was fantastic – as good as, if not better than, last year. The children were really engaged while the exhibitors got a lot out of talking to the children.”

She added: “We aim it at that age group as often careers planning doesn’t start until a way into secondary school.

“It’s not about pushing them into making a final decision, but just to show them the kind of careers that are out there for them.

“Often the focus is on the negative but this is about encouraging them to look at their own strengths, opening their minds and getting them to look at the world of work and the people around them.”