Learners from across a broad range of courses and levels were invited to voice their opinions and ask questions of senior curriculum managers at a special conference hosted by Lambeth College this month.

The theme of the Learner Voice Conference was to officially launch our new “Careers College’ and for the Principal and Chief Executive, Mark Silverman, to share his vision and direction with college learners and other valued guests from London’s business, industrial and commercial sectors.

Hearing and acknowledging the learner voice is vital in shaping high quality learning opportunities. This conference benefited the College too by hearing the voices of the business community, schools and higher education. This initiative enabled course representatives to ask questions of the Principal and other managers as well as hearing from inspirational speakers Gary Zetta from MITIE, Andy Gilman MBE from the Ministry of Defence, Laura Flynn from City University London, and Nike Folayan, a Chartered Telecommunications Engineering Consultant.

The guests spoke to our learners about good communications, smart and appropriate dress, attitudes to work and other people (particularly customers), good timekeeping and teamwork. They also encouraged learners to see the future in a positive light and stay confident and optimistic.

Learners Chris Rooney from the Computer Gaming - BTEC Level 2 Diploma, Oluchi Nwabuwa from the Media - BTEC Level 2 Diploma, Shanee Stanberry and Beatrice Basso from the Performing Arts - BTEC Level 2 Diploma, and Colette Amobi from the Beauty Therapy - CG VRQ Level 3 Diploma asked questions concerning greater links with industry, new gym and sports facilities, scholarships, progression routes to higher education, course fees and financial help for students.

Charismatic science student Emmanuel Farinu compered the event. He said: “I think everybody involved with the conference enjoyed themselves today. I will be leaving the college in June, hopefully to go onto university to study Physiotherapy. Hearing about all the new facilities being built at Clapham and Vauxhall and a range of brand new course areas being launched, I wish I’d got another year here.”

The Learner Voice Conference was a collaborative project planned by the Student Performance, Careers and Employability teams, as well as members of the Students’ Union and College Ambassadors.

In Pictures: (Larger size) The Learner Voices Conference 2013