Young people on employment, allyship and collaboration

Impactful change is only possible through strong leadership and collaboration. This was the message that stayed with me after the ARE conference. Esteemed speakers such as David Hughes CBE, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges, and Sandra Kerr CBE, Director of Race at BITC, both spoke to this: they suggested that change can be achieved when there are clear organisational structures within workplaces, where each level is open to scrutiny, but also able to foster a sense of growth and belonging. This deeply resonated with me, as it helped me to think through my current aim of creating an alumni network at my own Secondary School, and the vital role of leadership to ensure that any change gets properly implemented.

During the conference, I also helped co-facilitate a workshop which asked attendees whether more activities within schools/further education/higher education institutions were needed to connect young people from ethnic minority backgrounds to employers. It was inspiring to see how participants immediately offered advice to help individuals they had just met, due to a shared sense of purpose in reducing social inequalities. This conference proved a welcome reminder that a real, collaborative drive to improve our society does exist, and that visions for a better future for young Black, Asian and mixed heritage people are indeed possible.

My experience at ARE’s conference was very positive. I found it striking that we had an event focusing specifically on young Black, Asian and mixed heritage people, and that we saw our conversations and ideas become something that attendees took inspiration from.

During the conference, I gave a short speech on disability and intersectionality, something which I’d never done before. Sometimes, saying the word ‘disability’ can feel like a dirty word, but being able to claim that word in front of a huge audience was extremely empowering. It encouraged me to speak more freely about my experiences as a young person with an invisible disability, and a woman of colour. I likewise enjoyed Sandra Kerr’s speech, particularly on the BITC’s Race at Work Charter because she drew attention to how measures are being taken to make companies and organisations accountable to addressing discrimination in the workplace if they are signatories to this charter, and indirectly influence other companies to follow suit.

The conference was incredible. Before the event had even started, there was an environment where people could connect with each other. I spoke to other attendees about my issues and experiences, namely around code-switching. Once the event kicked off, it was amazing to see fellow young people able to express their views on topics they were passionate about on the day. When I stepped up to take part in the panel, I was nervous – but that quickly disappeared because I was in a room with people who wanted to help me feel empowered and express myself. For me, it was moving to hear Ambrose Qashie, Skills Manager at HS2, speak about the times he had given his employers a different surname, due to fear of being rejected. I have felt that same fear because of a false narrative that some employers may put on my name. I’ve learnt you must be proud of your identity, and be yourself. A key lesson was Sandra Kerr CBE, telling young people that you must learn to take feedback. This resonated with me, because many take feedback as disrespect, but its actually intended to help you improve your work, or improve you as a whole. This is something I want to implement into my daily life.

Excitement, adrenaline and hope. These were the feelings that ran through the whole ARE Conference. It left me and my peers elated. I am glad I was able to take part in a panel discussion with employers such as Thames Water and HS2, as a representative of the Middle Eastern community, speaking of my experiences as a Lebanese student, and moving to the UK. The conference was more than simply providing a platform for employers: it was also about elevating young people’s voices and addressing their concerns.

I felt that each moment during the conference ignited something in us, and through it all was reminded there are people out there committed to improving employment outcomes for young people like me.