Eco Summit
Chichester College students were given inspirational insights into sustainable industries and green careers at the college’s recent first eco-summit. The day saw several local and national companies, such as South Downs National Park, Willmott Dixon, Morelli Consultancy, Barfoots and Propellernet, deliver workshops and talks, designed to educate and inspire students about the diverse opportunities available to them.
They were joined by award-winning poet Woodzy, who captured students’ attention with the opening keynote speech – a witty, fast-paced, spoken-word poem which paid tribute to the planet and the importance of ensuring change happens now if we are to create a better future for generations to come. He also led a workshop with students, helping them to channel their creativity.
Chichester College Student President Chloe Peskett – who also works for EYE Project (a community education partnership which promotes sustainability) – championed the event, and worked with lecturer Lianne Grogan to bring the eco-summit to fruition at the college.
Chloe said: “I wanted to bring a focus to green careers. I think the there’s a misconception that to work in sustainability, it has to be STEM-based but that’s not the case so we wanted to show all the options they have. I hope it’s opened students’ eyes to a career in sustainability that they might not have thought of before, especially having, for example, accounting and travel & tourism students involved. They might not have thought they could have green careers, but hopefully they’ve seen they can.”
Helen Loftus, Principal at Chichester College, added: “What a great opportunity for our students to gain valuable insight into green careers across a whole range of industries! “We are grateful to the participating companies for their commitment to sustainability and for donating their time to come into college to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders.”
The day was captured by two of the College’s HND Film students which gives a great flavour of the event. You can view the film here.
If you’d like to find out more about the event and how you can run one at your school or college contact Lianne Grogan at Chichester College Group, Carly Rhodes at the EYE Project or Debra Vice-Holt at the Sussex Learning Network
If you’d like to share an event you’ve run please let us know by emailing Debra here.