Inspirational day for students

Students from Barking & Dagenham College got the chance to hear from industry experts and take part in a series of competitions as part of its Inspiration Day. 

The College hosted its annual ‘Inspiration Day’ this week.  It is a day of events and activities for all its students. Activities included master classes, Q&A sessions, workshops, have-a-goes as well as a series of competitions judged by industry experts. 

Visiting employers included Leah Clarke, co-founder of Barney Bears Nursery.  Childcare students had the opportunity to hear about the former Barking & Dagenham College student’s inspiring journey in the childcare industry. Leah and her business partner, who met while studying at the College, now have a successful chain of four nurseries and haven’t looked back.   

As Leah told the students: “We opened our first nursery in 2004 and I still jump out of bed every day with excitement. If you’re passionate, motivated and committed to pursuing your dream, go for it. If I can do it, so can you. You’ve got a fantastic opportunity here at Barking & Dagenham College.”  

The series of industry talks allowed students to hear all about the work employers do and about the opportunities to progress into the careers of their choice.   

As well as the talks, students took part in a number of competitions, which culminated in an Awards Ceremony to congratulate all the winners and runners-ups of the day.