Over 400 youngsters attended an event which aimed to empower them and equip them with life skills.
The event, at Energy Coast UTC at Lillyhall, near Workington, was organised by the college, Proud and Diverse Cumbria, Eyes Open CIC, Assa Colours, and NEAD CIC.
Students took part in five interactive workshop sessions about Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and the story of Proud and Diverse Cumbria, delivered by Glenn Anderson, Angela Black and Rocco Boyd; Skills building and podcasting, delivered by Assa Colours, AXIOM JV and Catherine Williamson; Youth Voice & Community Engagement, led by Cllr Michael Eldon, Graham Boyd and Simon Warren: HIV Awareness sessions delivered by Eyes Open CIC, breaking stigma and promoting
understanding and personal development.
Organisers said each session was designed to educate and inspire confidence, spark ambition, and encourage young people to shape their own futures.
Assa Colours brought a fully equipped podcast studio to Energy Coast UTC, so students had the chance to step into the role of presenter and interviewer, gaining hands-on experience and telling their own stories in a professional setting.
Participants have been given the opportunity to launch their own fully funded podcast over the next year, creating a lasting platform for youth voice across Cumbria.
Rocco Boyd, of Proud and Diverse Cumbria and NEAD CIC, said: “This event shows what’s possible when education, community organisations and industry
come together with a shared purpose.
“We wanted to create something that truly gives young people a voice and that’s exactly what we’ve done. From sharing ideas about their communities
to stepping into a professional podcast studio, they’ve shown just how powerful their voices are. This is only the beginning.”
Glenn Anderson, of Proud and Diverse Cumbria and NEAD CIC, added: “The level of engagement from the young people has been outstanding, and it’s clear we are
helping to build confidence, skills and ambition for the future.”
Cherry Tingle, CEO of Energy Coast UTC, added: “It’s been inspiring to see so many young people engaged, building confidence, and exploring new opportunities.
“This is what education is all about opening doors and empowering futures.”
