Member Article

Sunderland College offer students opportunity of a lifetime

Sunderland College has joined forces with National Citizen Service (NCS) to offer young people a life-changing opportunity this summer.

NCS, the country’s fastest growing youth movement, held the first of a series of Takeover Days, with the opening event taking place at Sunderland College’s Hylton campus on Thursday.

The college have cemented their support of the government-backed scheme by rolling out the Takeover Day event, offering students the chance to access the unforgettable programme, which builds skills for life.

The event saw students receive a presentation from the NCS team, outlining the experiences and new skills they are likely to receive through taking part this summer.

Alongside this, the students got involved in fun games and activities, including the chance to test their penalty taking skills in the run up to EURO 2016. A barbecue on site served up snacks to further add to the summer vibe.

In excess of 4,500 young people from across the North East have now booked their place on this summer’s programme, with more from Sunderland expected to sign up following this event.

Ellen Thinnesen, Principal and Chief Executive of Sunderland College, said: “NCS offers a wide range of fantastic opportunities for our students, whether they are completing their studies, or looking for something to do over the summer.

“Work readiness is so important to young people, so further developing these skills as part of the residential programme, adds all important experience for their CV.“

NCS is open to teenagers aged 16 & 17, empowering them to step out of their comfort zones and embark on an adventure packed residential programme. The unique opportunity will see teenagers develop new skills for work, future studies and life.

The scheme also sees participants designing, planning and delivering their own community projects within the local community, making a lasting impact on their area. Over the past two years young people have collectively dedicated more than eight million hours to volunteering through NCS.

Kim Smith, Contract Director for NCS North East, said: “Sunderland College have reinforced their commitment to NCS and their learners through this opening Takeover Day.

“Teenagers in Sunderland have an incredible summer to look forward to when they embrace NCS. They can expect fun, discovery and the opportunity to develop a whole set of new skills as they prepare for their next steps in life.

“We’re looking forward to continuing the success of this event at Sunderland College’s other campuses.“

NCS costs no more than £50, with the cost reduced to £10 depending on circumstances, and covering accommodation, transport, food, everything.

An increasingly limited number of places are still available for this summer’s NCS programme in Sunderland and the surrounding areas. To find out more or to book a place, teenagers or their parents should call 0191 247 4020 or visit NCSNORTHEAST.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Jonny Marshall .