Showing off

Back to the NEC again today. Second time in two weeks.

This time, it was to take Jonathan to the Big Bang Show. Not to see the many educational stands but to talk to some of the companies about career opportunities. Initially he was rather reticent, but, when he started asking questions and the people he was talking to showed they were interested in what he was asking, he became quite interested. I suspect this is common amongst teenage boys. He quickly gathered the confidence to ask questions about the various apprenticeship opportunities and pathways through to not only extended training and education but work and career options. A sudden urge to visit the big players - JLR first and then on to many others. We're hoping that now he will have confidence to think about and start planning his future without us having to prod and prompt - always a joy as a parent to see your kids suddenly grow up and take responsibility.

Not only was Jonathan quite taken aback that other people that he didn't know were taking an interest in him, we saw Jamie playing that opposite role too. He was working on the Coventry University stand showing off their lego programming playthings tools and robots. A first for us too - to see him working when we are not. They looked very busy. It was an early start for them for a Sunday - 8am train from Coventry. He will sleep well tonight!

In addition to their stand, Land Rover were doing little tours on a short track - a big ramp up and over and this staggered set of blocks. At one point they balanced the Disco on two wheels - and then doing what most cars cannot in that situation - driving off again. The queue was huge. Sorry it's only an iPhone image.