It was the day when the social enterprise, which encourages, motivates and inspires black boys and young black men to realize their potential, broke through the thousand barrier by having more than 1,050 participants involved in its fifth Careers Conference – the vast majority of whom were young people aged 14 to 24.
One of the 24 exhibitors Turner Lovell, a recruitment agency, announced that it hired one young person and had invited another six to interview. While Thames Water promoted its full range employment opportunities and the BBC promoted its apprenticeship programme.
The Oxford University African Caribbean Society and friends attracted a good deal of attention as they discussed life as undergraduates in Russell Group Universities with ambitious young people and parents.
Similarly, four young men, Amos Bursary alumni and undergraduates at high value universities (all Russell Group) inspired their audience in their Perfect 10 Workshop.
There were large groups of young people around the first time exhibitors such as the RAF, Brunel University London, King’s College London, Today’s PA, Ascension Trust and the Enfield Caribbean Association. All of these exhibitors reported strong interest in their services and opportunities.
Longstanding supporters of the event, such as Lloyds Bank, EDF Energy, Alpha BSE, Rare Recruiting, Excell3, KIO and the London Black Teachers’ Network, were as popular as ever.
GUEST SPEAKER: Sir Geoff Palmer (left) and Dr D Palmer
Young people were keen to understand the benefits of the Lloyds Scholars Programme, which could be accessed in year 13 by talented young people from lower income households.
They were also keen to discover the wide range of opportunities on offer in EDF Energy, and the new pathways offered by Alpha BSE for building essential skills and qualifications needed in the building and construction sector.
Scores of attendees praised the new venue, the Royal National Hotel, Russell Square stating that it was very easy to access the workshops; interact with the cohort of over 40 professional men, and the 24 exhibitors.
Guest speaker Sir Geoff Palmer, Emeritus Professor of Herriot-Watt University, both educated and inspired the large audience of young people, parents, professionals and exhibitors.
He spoke about his invention, which transformed the British Brewing Industry and the choice of grain in overseas markets in Nigeria and elsewhere.
Twelve young people and adults who asked questions of Sir Geoff were rewarded with signed copies of his book, The Enlightenment Abolished, and signed copies of Reach Society’s book, entitled The Story of Reach Society.
Source: http://www.voice-online.co.uk
Author: Chief Editor
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