On Monday 24 June, staff, students and esteemed guests from local businesses descended upon St James’ Park for our annual Futures Conference. Almost 400 students travelled to Newcastle city centre and revelled in the surroundings of The Barracks Suite. There is something magical about holding this conference at a venue such as St James’ Park. The students rise to the occasion, their senses are heightened, and they mean business!
We were joined by approximately 150 guests from local employers, charities, community organisations, and further and higher education institutions. It was fantastic to be joined by so many alumni and a pleasure to introduce the College to some new faces.
Throughout the day, students completed several carousels of the exhibitors’ stands, and each carousel was interspersed with opportunities to listen to and learn from our fantastic guest speakers. Several months ago, Sophie Milliken MBE was kind enough to accept my invitation to open the event and deliver the first keynote. Our morning assembly was streamed live from the pitch side and beamed into classrooms back at base. It was a real privilege to interview Sophie in the summer sunshine at St James’ Park.
Throughout the day, our keynote speakers consistently focused on three key themes:
1. whether their current job is the role they longed for when they were at school
2. career highlights to date
3. best advice they could give to the students
Sophie’s opening keynote referenced the importance of saying yes to the opportunities that come your way. Great advice for the students whose programme of events for Futures Week is littered with occasions to say yes to all manner of new opportunities!
The majority of keynote speakers were alumni. Huge thanks to Gareth Johnson, Ross Lillico, Garry Charlton, Ben Cattanach, Sam Cassidy, Lauren Bathan, Steven Bates, Christopher Graham and George Kasfikis.
The exhibitors were inundated for almost four hours – thank you!
Plans are already in the pipeline for next year’s event. Are you available on 23 June 2025?!
