Sixty female students at Nelson and Colne College experienced a successful day of motivation, mentoring and discussion with 30 Lancashire business women.
The event, organised by Lancashire Business Role, was facilitated by actress and former NCC student Amy Strange and a key speech was delivered by Alison Malcolm, Outreach Officer at Burnley FC in the Community.
Other key sessions on the day included one delivered by life coach Katy Mason who enabled students and business women to understand their character and how to build on this to progress.
Level 2 Art and Design student Arielle Methven, 17, said: “I really enjoyed the day – it was both fun and interesting. I have definitely benefited from it, including taking on board the things I’ll need for a job interview.
“I’m also going to take away from it to never give up and have the confidence to ask questions and seek help when I need it.”
Katy Mason, who regularly supports Wendy Bowers, Founder of Role, with Oysters and Pearls events said: “My job in life is to find the strengths and talents in people so that they can have more successful careers and lives.
“This year, we also spent half a day with the girls prior to them meeting the business women in a workshop entitled ‘Here I Am’. The girls learned about self-belief and perception of others and were advised how to get the most out of the mentoring day.
“One or two of the students had expressed a bit of vulnerability, but those who had were taking an active part when we came back in for the activities just a week later.”
Wendy added: “It was really encouraging that the students had taken on board who we were and also that they felt they had the confidence to speak and contribute. To see the growth in such a short space of time was fantastic to see – that worked really well – and I think it has been another positive and very successful Oysters and Pearls event.”
Vice Principal of Nelson and Colne College Alison Rushton said: “I’m delighted that 60 young women have benefited from a truly inspiring and motivating session and I’m grateful for the time taken by business women from across Lancashire to support this event and make a difference to the lives of our students.
“Raising aspirations is a core objective of the college and we are always there to provide the support to encourage our students to believe in themselves and their futures and to realise the opportunities out there that are achievable.”
Role works with women across the country to build confidence, improve management skills, develop succession planning and ensure opportunity for all. For more information about Role, contact Wendy Bowers on 07929 917701 or email wendy@role.uk.com
Nelson and Colne College will hold a Year 9 and 10 Open Event on Monday 30 April from 5.30pm until 7.30pm. Students will have the opportunity to gain advice and course information from tutors, find out about the college’s extensive and constantly-evolving extracurricular offer, ask about unique Pre-Professional Programmes and get involved with ‘have a go’ activities and skills demonstrations.
For more information about Nelson and Colne College, contact 01282 440272 or visit www.nelson.ac.uk
