Member Article

Jermain Jackman lends his 'Voice' to community programme

A singing sensation who sealed victory on The Voice has been inspiring college students with his own story of success.

Jermain Jackman, winner of The Voice, spent the day at Sunderland College’s state-of-the-art City Campus, to speak to students about the National Citizen Service (NCS).

Jermain, who won the primetime BBC talent show in 2014, spent the day with students on Friday [September 8], to draw attention to an NCS programme they can sign up to during the Autumn half-term. The programme – which departs on October 20th or 23rd, and includes a four-day, three-night outdoor adventure in the Lake District - offers students the chance to work together with NCS teammates to deliver a community project that makes a positive difference to their local area.

Jermain, 22, who himself took part in a NCS programme in 2011, talked to students about how the experience helped to build his vocational skills and provide him with a new-found confidence, which led him to win The Voice.

Jermain said:

“I had a wonderful time speaking to the young people at Sunderland College about the benefits of taking part in NCS and what it has done for me.

“NCS does some truly amazing work that can transform lives, and I am so pleased to be able to spread the word about it, and hopefully inform and inspire young people to sign up and make a difference not only to their own skills and self-confidence, but to the communities in which they work.”

Jermain is now looking to embark on a political career and shared his experiences as an NCS graduate, working with will.i.am on The Voice, and his exciting plans for the future.

In two half-hour workshops, which took place during the afternoon, more than one hundred students had the chance to chat one-to-one with Jermain and the NCS team.

Caitlin Trotter, 17, is studying Level 2 Hairdressing, and attended the session with Jermain to hear more. She said:

“I thought the speech Jermain gave was really interesting and I enjoyed what he was saying about his time on The Voice. I thought he explained everything about NCS really well. I might look into doing it because I think it’ll be a good experience”

Ellen Thinnesen, principal and chief executive of Sunderland College, said:

“We were delighted to welcome Jermain and the NCS team to speak to our students about what is a fantastic opportunity for them.

“NCS is a fantastic organisation, that makes a huge difference to young people and to communities, who benefit directly from the work that is delivered through projects that NCS groups undertake. We hope a great many of our young people get signed up after this inspiring talk.”

Kim Smith, contract director of NCS North East, said:

“Jermain is incredibly passionate about NCS and it is a delight for him to visit Sunderland and share his journey with future participants.

“NCS is a sought after addition to any CV and enables teenagers to build the vocational skills to equip them for work, study and life. For university applicants, UCAS recommends referencing NCS in personal statements, while local apprenticeship providers such as Stagecoach offer guaranteed interviews to NCS graduates.”

NCS runs out of term time and provides tailored, unforgettable experiences for young people aged 15 – 17, teaching the skills that can’t be taught in the classroom. From life skills to outdoor adventures, the NCS helps young people establish friendships that last a lifetime.

More details of the programme can be found at www.NCSYES.co.uk or young people – aged between 16 and 17 who wish to sign up – should call 0191 247 4020.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by NCS North East .