Newcastle College Students Help Unlock North East Economy on North East Chamber of Commerce Panel

Two Newcastle College students were invited to speak to North East business leaders this week, about the importance of work experience.

Bethany Smith and Isabelle Robson-Lamb, both currently in the second year of their Early Years Educator T-Level, joined the panel of the North East Chamber of Commerce’s event Linking Business and Education.

The panel, made up of students from across the region’s further education colleges, spoke to employers about their own work experience opportunities and the positive impact they’ve had on their studies and employability.

Bethany and Isabelle, who are both undertaking a work placement at Wallsend Jubilee Primary School, spoke about how they’ve been welcomed into the school and able to build relationships with colleagues there – something that has helped them experience aspects of the job that can’t be replicated in the classroom.

Together with their peers, their main asks of employers were to listen to young people and offer opportunities for students to network with employers by getting involved in schools and colleges, as well as provide accessible routes into work experience.

Isabelle said: “It was a really great experience being on the panel and it has helped to develop my confidence massively. It was a little bit daunting at first but I had a really good time meeting lots of new people.”

Bethany added: “This was a really positive experience that helped me gain confidence and learn to speak in front a crowd which is something I usually struggle with. I enjoyed meeting new people and hearing about all the job opportunities available.”

The event, held at Durham Town Hall, aimed to create stronger, equitable links between employers and education through work experience, helping to unlock the North East economy. 

Chamber members at the event were inspired by the student panels confidence and resilience in talking about their experiences in the workplace. A second panel, made up of employers who offer work placements, spoke to the audience about the positive impact on their organisations.

Attendees also heard from Alison Maynard, Deputy Principal of New College Durham and keynote speakers Katrina Morley OBE, CEO of Tees Valley Education Multi Academy Trust, and Dr Caroline Theobald CBE.