Students from the Trafford and Stockport College Group joined peers from colleges across Greater Manchester to take part in a Question Time event at Bridgewater Hall on Friday 15 November.
The debate delved into the timely question: Is the Labour Government responding to the needs of young people?
The event offered students a powerful platform to engage directly with prominent public figures, including Rebecca Durber, Area Director and Senior Policy Lead for Association of Colleges, Nick Leslie, Head of Climate Action Now and Cllr John Hacking, Exec member of Manchester City Council for Skills, Employment and Leisure. In addition, TV personality and education specialist, Baasit Siddique of Gogglebox fame.
Each of the nine Greater Manchester further education colleges taking part presented a question under a specific theme, from tax planning to disability rights. Trafford and Stockport College Group students challenged the panel on Great British Energy and Sustainability.
Michelle McLaughlin MBE, Head of Personal and Professional Development, plays a fundamental role in the Question Time events.
She said: “These Question Time events are brilliant examples of collaborative learning in action, giving our students an invaluable opportunity to develop a range of skills, from critical thinking to public speaking, in a real-world setting.
“Through participation in such events, our young people are being given a platform to speak up on the issues that matter to them.”
“In turn, we, as educators, are facilitating them to make a difference in their communities by equipping them with the skills, confidence, and understanding they need to become active, positive forces in society.”
Trafford and Stockport College Group student, Jaisha Nehal, was one of the students who took part in the event, she said: “It is a privilege to be here and mingle with leaders in politics, business and media. This is an incredible opportunity to be part of such a dynamic event.”
