A CAREER event aimed at challenging gender stereotypes was held at a school.

Year 10 pupils from Alder Grange School in Rawtenstall had their perceptions changed about a range of careers.

The #ICan event featured talks from industry experts including two female airline pilots, a male nurse, a female truck driving instructor and a female firefighter.

They spoke about how gender gaps are still prevalent in their professions, what is being done to combat this and how there are many different routes students can take to achieve career goals.

Headteacher Jo Griffiths said: “The aim of the event was to break down gender stereotypes associated with certain professions, to encourage pupils to follow their dreams and inspire them to think about careers they might not have considered before.”

Faye Sandiford, 15, from Rawtenstall, said of the event: “It really opened my eyes to the careers that I never imagined that both women and men would have.”