Successful Eco Summit Inspires Students at Chichester College

Chichester College students were given inspirational insights into sustainable industries and green careers.

The college’s first eco-summit saw several local and national companies, such as South Downs National Park, Willmott Dixon, Morelli Consultancy, Barfoots and Propellernet, deliver workshops and talks, designed to educate and inspire students about the diverse opportunities available to them. 
 
They were joined by award-winning poet Woodzy, who captured students’ attention with the opening keynote speech – a witty, fast-paced, spoken-word poem which paid tribute to the planet and the importance of ensuring change happens now if we are to create a better future for generations to come. 


He also led a workshop with students, helping them to channel their creativity. 
 
Chichester College Student President Chloe Peskett – who also works for EYE Project (a community education partnership which promotes sustainability) – championed the event, and worked with lecturer Lianne Grogan to bring the eco-summit to fruition at the college. 
 
Chloe said: “I wanted to bring a focus to green careers. I think the there’s a misconception that to work in sustainability, it has to be STEM-based but that’s not the case so we wanted to show all the options they have. 
 
“I hope it’s opened students’ eyes to a career in sustainability that they might not have thought of before, especially having, for example, accounting and travel & tourism students involved. They might not have thought they could have green careers, but hopefully they’ve seen they can. 
 
“I think it’s gone really well, it seems like everyone’s had a great day, learnt a lot and hopefully people are feeling inspired.” 

 
Helen Loftus, Principal at Chichester College, added: “What a great opportunity for our students to gain valuable insight into green careers across a whole range of industries! 
 
“We are grateful to the participating companies for their commitment to sustainability and for donating their time to come into college to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders.” 

Thanks to all of the companies, organisations and individuals who supported the college’s first eco-summit:

Barfoots, Chichester District Council, EYE Project, Future Plus, JogOn, Knepp Estate, Morelli Consultancy, Propellernet, Sophie Sheinwald Photography, South Downs National Park, Sussex Learning Network, University of Sussex, West Sussex County Council, Willmott Dixon and Woodzy.