2024 in Review
As I reflect on 2024, I am filled with gratitude and a sense of purpose. This year has been defined by collaboration, growth, and unwavering dedication to amplifying young voices and championing meaningful change. From shaping national policy to connecting directly with young people and decision-makers, 2024 has been a year of milestones that I’m proud to share.
Advocacy and Connection: Amplifying Young Voices
This year, I was fortunate to represent young people’s perspectives in various spaces, from speaking at Parliament to participating in events that brought together decision-makers and youth.
One highlight was addressing child poverty at the North East Child Poverty Summit, where I shared key themes raised by young people this year:
Education: Creating inclusive schools that are steppingstones to opportunity.
Employment: Offering real-world skills and meaningful career opportunities.
Mental Health: Providing accessible, early support to help young people thrive.
Events like these reminded me of the urgency of acting on young people’s voices, not just hearing them. Co-production and collaboration are essential for creating solutions that reflect their lived experiences.
Driving Systemic Change: Careers and Workforce
My work with The Careers & Enterprise Company and Youth Employment UK continues to inspire me. Together, we’ve championed improved careers education and addressed barriers young people face entering the workforce.
A key moment this year was sharing reflections at the Youth Employment UK Youth Voice Census 2024 launch, where I highlighted challenges such as the gap in school readiness for next steps and the decline in access to enrichment opportunities. These issues reinforce the importance of creating inclusive, supportive frameworks to help young people succeed.
Empowering Change Through Education
Education has been a focal point of my advocacy in 2024. At the Confederation of School Trusts Conference, I joined Dame Rachel de Souza, the Children’s Commissioner for England, to discuss how we can make education more accessible and empowering.
Conversations like those at the Fair Education Alliance Youth Summit and with Professor Becky Francis on the curriculum review further emphasised the need to move beyond a “one-size-fits-all” model. This year, I advocated for:
Prioritising life skills and applied knowledge.
Ensuring assessments are inclusive and adaptable.
Equipping every student with tools to succeed in an evolving world.
Sharing insights from the Big Ambition Survey, I brought forward young people’s voices, visions, and challenges to help shape education policy and practice.
Sharing My Journey: From UTC to Advocacy
One of the most personal highlights of 2024 was delivering the keynote speech at the Baker Dearing Educational Trust Summer Conference. I shared my journey from struggling in mainstream education to thriving at UTC South Durham, where hands-on employer engagement helped prepare me for my apprenticeship at Willmott Dixon.
Reflecting on my transition to the management trainee program, I was reminded of how transformative tailored support and opportunities can be. They are essential in empowering young people to succeed in their education and career journeys.
Collaboration and Gratitude
This year’s successes wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible teams, mentors, and organisations I’ve worked alongside. A special thank you to the 17 organisations I’ve partnered with and the young people whose energy and vision continue to inspire me every day.
From advising on nine national policy projects to engaging in 22 media appearances, 2024 has been a testament to the power of collaboration and shared purpose.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As I look to 2025, I am excited to build on this year’s progress. The mission remains the same: empowering young people, breaking down barriers, and ensuring that their voices are at the heart of decision-making.
Here’s to another year of growth, impact, and working toward a brighter, more inclusive future. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Let’s keep building together.
Closing Thought
This year has proven that when we collaborate with purpose and prioritize inclusion, we can create meaningful change. To everyone who has been part of this mission—thank you. Together, we are shaping a future where every young person has the opportunity to thrive.
Here’s to 2025 and the work ahead!
