Students and apprentices from a variety of curriculum areas, including members of the Student Union and Student Council, came together to meet with Toby Perkins, MP for Chesterfield and Staveley and the Shadow Minister for Skills and Further Education.
Together they discussed the importance of voting, being involved in democratic processes, and being an active citizen. They also had a chance to ask Toby any questions in a Q&A session.
Henry Taylor-Toone, Deputy Principal, said:
“We were honoured to host a lunch for Toby Perkins, along with three College CEOs from across the D2N2 region. It was a great opportunity for us to discuss the challenges facing the FE sector and our region in particular.
We were also able to share how FE Colleges are perfectly placed to address the skills agenda and improve social mobility by providing invaluable teaching and training which will boost skills and jobs.
Toby then met with a number of students and apprentices from across a variety of curriculum areas within the college.”
Jo Down, Assistant Principal, Student Experience and Wellbeing, added:
“The young people involved were very well prepared and were an absolute credit to the college in their professionalism and their respectful approach to each other, to staff, and to external visitors.
During the session they considered the voting age, how to better engage and communicate with young people from a political perspective, local and national elections and the difference between them.
They also sought advice from Toby around campaigning during elections for consideration during Student Union election processes.
All in all it was a very energetic session and a great way to end the week!”
Left to Right:
Dawn Ward (CEO and Principal, Burton and South Derbyshire College),
Mandie Stravino (CEO and Principal, Derby College Group),
Toby Perkins (MP for Chesterfield and Staveley and the Shadow Minister for Skills and Further Education)
Janet Smith (CEO and Principal, Nottingham College)
Henry Taylor-Toone (Deputy Principal, Chesterfield College Group)