Build My Future festival a huge success for students

Sixth Form students from across the Northern Schools Trust (NST) took part in the trust’s annual Build My Future festival – a two-day festival of ideas and career inspiration from some of the region’s best businesses and institutions.

The event invited students from Life Sciences UTC, the Studio, and North Liverpool Academy to get a taste of university, the world of work, and the various pathways available to them once they graduate from Year 13.

It was also an opportunity for NST students to visit two universities in the north west – the University of Liverpool, and UCLAN – and discover what a day in the life of a university student looks and feels like.

The first day of Build My Future was hosted by the University of Liverpool, where students were given a guided tour of the state-of-the-art facilities and the university’s brand-new teaching hub. They met with representatives from Astra Zeneca, Unilever, Medical Mavericks and more, who were on hand to advise students on the best routes into the industry.

It was extremely beneficial to students – especially those who are looking to pursue a career in medicine and science – to speak with industry professionals and find out more about their potential future career paths.

The first day’s keynote addresses came from Wirral South MP, Alison McGovern, and the Anfield Wrap’s Neil Atkinson. Alison spoke to the students about learning from failure and how resilience can help them in their future careers; whilst Neil explained how changing technologies over the past few years has allowed him to become a highly successful entrepreneur, in a role that he loves.

Next up was a motivational session delivered by Junior from the Fix Up team – an organisation helping young people to understand the importance of focus and motivation. During this session, students had the opportunity to think about goal setting and how it can help them to achieve great things.

Students also took part in an employability skills session which was delivered by the University of Liverpool.

Representatives from the University of Liverpool talked to students about the importance of getting a head start with their careers, and that the journey to success needs to start now.

On the second day students from the three schools were Preston-bound to visit UCLAN; the day was an opportunity for students to get a taste of different universities outside of the city of Liverpool.

The students split into groups and took part in campus tours, which showed students some of the things they can learn if they choose university as a path for themselves. During the day, the students took part in activities which reflect the pathways that they follow, learning about such things as robotics, life drawing, medical interview preparation and much more.

NST’s Lyndsay Macaulay said: “The students were amazing across the two days of Build my Future, they were so committed and passionate about their futures, it was really great to see.

“We’re in our seventh year of the festival now and we’re so grateful to universities and employers for their continued support and commitment to helping young people to achieve their dreams.

“Build my Future is an incredibly important event – not only for our young people – but for our local area; it helps to ensure that opportunities are available to the right match of talent and skills”.