Newham College puts students’ Future First

Former students from Newham College of Further Education are being asked to go back to the classroom to inspire current students to career confidence and academic success.

Past and present students from Newham College have joined a programme run by the national education charity Future First which helps state schools and colleges develop ‘old school tie’ networks allowing them to harness the talents and experience of alumni to support the current generation.

The former students will return to volunteer at events designed to motivate students and broaden their job horizons, so they are more likely to be able to achieve a career of their choice regardless of their background.

Newham College wants to contact former students in established careers and recent leavers in further education, alumni who live nearby and those who have moved away.

Joseph Clemoes, Careers Adviser said:

‘We signed up to Future First’s scheme straightaway. A network of past students with all their valuable experience will be vital in helping us to broaden current students’ jobs horizons and equip them for the world of work.

Newham College is one of over a thousand state secondary schools and colleges across Britain which have worked with Future First. Future First’s vision is that every state school or college should be supported by a thriving, engaged alumni community that helps it to do more for its students. More than 240,000 former students nationwide have already signed up to stay connected with their old school or college. These alumni are motivating students as career and education role models, mentors, work experience providers, governors and fundraisers.

Paul Stephen, Principal and CEO of Newham College said:

‘Newham College prides itself in helping others achieve great success. We’re honoured to join the Future First programme and build a network of Alumni students acting as career guidance and relatable role models. It’s a fantastic opportunity that not only benefits students, but it also empowers former and present students to help someone, who may be of a similar background to them, on a path to achieve greatness like they have done so.’