Two of our former journalism students are celebrating becoming trustees of a major charity.
Emma Burke and India Chahal first got involved with The Youth Association through the Peer Research project in 2022-2023.
The initiative saw students at our Quarry Hill campus receive training in interview techniques, research methods, scriptwriting and more – and conduct interviews with other young people for a weekly podcast.
India and Emma both found the experience – the project was a collaboration by The Youth Association and the college’s Student Life enrichment team – really inspiring. It concluded with their group producing a short film, highlighting creative opportunities for young people across Leeds, that was shown at the Royal Armouries Museum.
Keen to continue working with charity after the project ended, the pair (both now 20) applied to become Young Trustees, and each attracted enough votes to land the role.
Emma said: “The Youth Association has provided me and many other young people with the opportunities to create and lead our own projects, which has really helped so many people.”
Looking back to her time on the Peer Research Project, she added: “We all came up with the ideas ourselves and planned everything from scripts to how we would film. The Youth Association provided us with all the tools and connections we needed to make our idea a reality.
“Experiences like this not only help young people with CVs and university applications but they also build up important life skills such as confidence, taking responsibility and social skills. They also involve the local community, which I believe to be very important.”
Based in Wakefield, The Youth Association describes itself as ‘Yorkshire’s youth work charity’ and has been working with young people, on everything from life-changing skills development to fun activities, since 1904.
Since becoming a Young Trustee, India has taken on an active role within the organisation.
Her work has even included representing the charity internationally, during a visit to the Netherlands with Cultuur In De Wijk. She has also joined interview panels for new staff members and contributed to discussions about how the group’s work is delivered and developed.
The college’s Student Voice and Social Action Lead, Lindsey Topham-Whitton, said: “The Peer Research project and podcast club turned into an incredibly powerful opportunity for the learners.
“Emma and India’s continued engagement with The Youth Association has led to vital development, and even the opportunity to become young trustees there. Experiences like this equip learners with incredibly versatile skills that can be transferred to any workplace.”
Lindsey is keen for other learners to get involved with the charity too, and learn more about the important work it is doing – through, for example, initiatives like Lads at the Back. This community research programme is focused on helping tackle the problem of young men being more likely to disengage from education.
It is asking 16-23 year olds in Leeds and Wakefield for their thoughts on why the problem exists, and to take part in sessions to discuss possible solutions.
Visit https://youth-association.org/ for more details.
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We were thrilled to launch National Apprenticeship Week with an inspiring event at our Printworks Campus, bringing together industry leaders and apprentices to explore the critical role of apprenticeships in AI adoption and the future of skills development.
We were honoured to welcome the Chancellor, Rt Hon Rachel Reeves, and Microsoft UK CEO, Darren Hardman, alongside three outstanding apprentices – Hannah, Ria, and Oliver – who shared their insights on how apprenticeships are opening pathways into AI-driven careers.
The event sparked engaging discussions on how apprenticeships are not only building a strong talent pipeline but also accelerating AI adoption across industries.
AI is often recognised for enhancing efficiency, creativity, and value—key drivers of economic growth. However, without skilled individuals equipped with the right expertise, these opportunities remain untapped.
The panel discussion underscored the transformative impact of apprenticeships in closing the skills gap. Hannah, an Apprentice Data Scientist at Arup, noted, “Data and AI are transforming every sector. Apprenticeships allow you to move beyond the classroom and apply knowledge directly in the workplace.”
Similarly, Ria, a Cloud Solution Architect at Microsoft UK, emphasised that “an apprenticeship equips you with the skills to understand and apply AI in ways that create real opportunities for businesses.”
Oliver, a Data Analyst Apprentice at United Utilities, added, “AI holds incredible possibilities, and we’re only beginning to explore them – it’s an exciting time to be involved.”
The event continued with a thought-provoking panel discussion led by Darren Hardman, examining the intersection of business, skills, and regional growth in an AI-driven world.
Joining the conversation were Andrew Byrom, Chief Digital and Information Officer at Leeds City Council; Adrian Berry, Chief Technology Officer at ASDA; and Natalie Wilson, Vice Principal of Skills at Luminate Education Group.
Beyond the panel, the event featured workshops led by careers advisers and AI for Regional Growth roundtables, fostering valuable discussions on the future of work, the evolving skills landscape, and the role of businesses in supporting apprenticeships.
This event was not only a celebration of apprenticeships but also a call to action for businesses and policymakers to invest in workforce development. By embracing these skills, we can drive AI opportunities forward, benefiting both regional and national economies.
The Importance of National Apprenticeship Week
National Apprenticeship Week highlights the vast opportunities apprenticeships provide, ensuring future generations can access career-shaping experiences like those shared by our panellists. As we continue to celebrate throughout the week, we look forward to further discussions on how skills development fuels innovation and economic growth.
A huge thank you to Microsoft, the Chancellor, HM Treasury, and the Leeds City College team for making this event a resounding success!
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‘An absolute pleasure’.
That is how Yorkshire-based legal practice XYZ Law has described hosting its very first T Level student, after linking up with Leeds City College.
Yaaseen Patel spent nine weeks with the company as part of his Digital Support Services T Level, and excelled in the IT and administration role.
This was exactly the kind of practical experience that Yaaseen was hoping for when he chose to go down the T Level path – which has industry placements at its heart.
He said: “I have always been interested in IT and had digital skills, so I knew I wanted to have a career in the field.
“I decided to follow the T Level route when I was in sixth form and was bored with just desk-based classroom work all the time. T levels offered hands-on learning experience, which appealed to me.
“My role in XYZ Law was to research and compare remote working surveillance and chatbots for the company, then present it to the team. I also learned a lot about how their admin and IT side works.
“I really enjoyed it and learned a lot about how a law firm operates.”
For the business, meanwhile – which operates throughout the UK and has its head office in Dewsbury – the placement represented a very positive introduction to the world of T Level placements.
HR manager Mollie Wright said:”It was an absolute pleasure to have Yaaseen join our team.
“He was amazing at communicating throughout and completed every task to a high standard, while also showing an interest in different aspects of the firm. As well as doing great at his work, Yaaseen also settled really well into the team.
“This placement was an opportunity for us to support a young person in achieving their qualification, while having an extra person to assist the business. It was our first T Level placement and we are looking forward to taking on someone else in the future.”
Yaaseen, who has now completed his T Level, added: “I would recommend the course to students who are interested in doing an apprenticeship or full time employment after college.
“The work placement is very beneficial for your CV and gives you a higher chance of becoming employable.”
He is now preparing to study IT at university.
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One of our students has won a national award in recognition of her commitment to nursing.
Isabel McElhatton was named the T Level Student of the Year in the NCFE’s Aspiration Awards 2023.
The 18 year old was chosen due to the outstanding drive and focus she showed while working at Leeds General Infirmary as part of her Health T Level.
Isabel was based in the hospital’s male nephrology (kidney disease) department, where she worked with a range of staff including consultants and clinical workers. Her supervisors were so impressed that she has now been offered an apprenticeship with the Trust, while she is also weighing up the option of studying nursing at university.
She said: “I was so shocked to be told I had won. There are so many other students who have worked really hard on what has been a really challenging new course.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my T Level experience and am so happy and proud to have been nominated for, and then to have won, this award.”
Isabel, who plays for a local netball team, managed to hold down a part-time job – as a swimming coach and sport holiday camp supporter – while doing her course.
Programme Manager Judith Fish said that made her achievement all the more impressive. She said: “Isabel has worked consistently well across all elements of the curriculum, has a natural interest in the subject and demonstrates a clear understanding of, and empathy for, the needs of individuals.
“As well as developing a sound knowledge and understanding of the key principles underpinning health care, Isabel can apply these consistently to her work.”
The Aspiration Awards are run annually by educational charity and vocational qualification awarding body, NCFE, to celebrate the success of learners, apprentices, teachers, support staff and educational organisations across the UK.
NCFE’s Chief Executive, David Gallagher, said: “There isn’t just one definition of success. Throughout NCFE’s 175 years in this sector, we’ve seen it in many shapes – from going above and beyond to exceed expectations, overcoming obstacles to achieve the unexpected, or coming up with new and innovative ways of working to help others to achieve.
“This year’s Aspiration Awards winners are examples of how individuals can overcome barriers to achieve and fulfil their potential – and how a fairer education system for all learners can only serve to empower inclusivity and choice.
“These awards are a reminder of the transformative power of education and why we’re focused on shaping smarter learning, to ensure no learner is left behind.”
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