Northumberland College students recently attended Society Matters Foundation ‘Generation 2035’ conference in Gateshead.
Organised by the Society Matters Foundation, T Level Foundation Business students Ben Rutherford and Muhammad Choudary took part in the ‘Generation 2035’ event at Gateshead College last month.
The event focused on barriers to success, where Ben and Muhammad were on a panel of students who have overcome adversity and addressed an audience of professionals, North East Combined authorities and academics.
The panel of students from Gateshead College and Northumberland College addressed some of the social and structural barriers faced by the young people, while also participating in a number of table discussions with the other panellists where they had the opportunity to provide their thoughts on a range of issues in education, all centring around the importance of making sure there are no barriers to education.
Ben said: “It made me feel good because I got to vocalise my future ambitions and my current day life, I really enjoyed the experience.”
Muhammad added: “I had a brilliant time on the Gateshead College trip; it was a great opportunity to get involved and I thoroughly enjoyed.”
In addition to being on the panel, Ben also recently won the award at the college for ‘Most Progress Made’ In addition to being on the panel, Ben also recently won the award at the college for ‘Most Progress Made’ across the last academic year.
Ben added: “Last year winning the award made me feel special for being recognised for my achievements throughout the year.”
Society Matters Foundation was successfully launched in March, focusing on changing and informing policy to unlock the potential of the North of England and its residents.
Generation 2035, was the second event ran by the foundation and was for those who work within, plan and fund all forms of education – primary, secondary, and tertiary, adult education, apprenticeships, and other vocational pathways.
The event featured short style thought pieces on the most serious barriers to progression and success for young people in their areas. Following these contributions, participants were challenged to identify potential resources or initiatives which could be created to break down these barriers as a signpost for future collaboration. Society Matters Foundation will use this intelligence to shape future project work in this area.
The students benefitted by being given the chance to be taken out of their comfort zone and by being given the chance to have a voice and be listened to as well as growing their confidence as public speakers.
Stuart Climson, Programme Team Co-ordinator for Business and Commercial Industries added: “Ben and Muhammad did an amazing job of not only representing the college but also themselves, they should be very proud of what they achieved on the day, and their contributions were insightful and honest.”
We are the largest further education provider in Northumberland with campuses throughout the county.
Our student transport scheme is available for eligible students to make getting to and from college as easy as possible.
Our extensive re-development programme will create outstanding new facilities.
Northumberland College, as part of college group EPNE, receives an Outstanding rating across the board in its latest Ofsted inspection.
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