An event to break down barriers to employment and boost confidence has “lit a fire” in LJMU students.
Students from across the university took part in the exclusive Next Gen: A Celebration of Difference event, thanks to a partnership between Student Futures and TG Consulting.
The event in Birmingham was dedicated to championing inclusion, building confidence and breaking down barriers to employment, supported by leading employers including L’Oréal, Coca-Cola, Specsavers and Jaguar Land Rover.
Students took part in high-impact employer sprints – interactive, fast-paced challenges focused on teamwork, improvisation and creative problem-solving. The day also featured dedicated networking opportunities, mood rooms for relaxation and reflection, and private employer drop-in spaces where students could ask the questions they may not have felt confident asking in traditional settings.
Thank you for such a wonderful event. I am deeply grateful. The impact everyone involved has left on me personally has lit a fire inside me again to keep going. I am truly inspired.
Emily Edwards, student at LJMU’s School of Art and Design
Collaborating with purpose and heart
Tonia Galati, CEO/Founder of TG Consulting, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Liverpool John Moores University students to the 2025 Next Gen Talent Experience: A Celebration of Difference. Their energy, authenticity and openness was truly inspiring.
“It was especially rewarding to see familiar faces, students who had previously taken part in our mock assessment centres returning with greater confidence and drive. The kindness, curiosity and support shown by LJMU students stood out and contributed to a genuine sense of community, celebrating difference and belonging.
“Our partnership with LJMU continues to go from strength to strength, and I’m so proud of what we’re achieving together. This is exactly the kind of impact that’s possible when we collaborate with purpose and heart.”
Sophie Buchanan, a first year student in LJMU’s School of Public and Allied Health, said: “What an experience I have had today. For someone who has struggled with having low confidence, no self-esteem, no self-worth but most of all struggled with anxiety, the thought of engaging with a group of people is quite daunting and overwhelming. What a way to end my first year. To see myself step out of my comfort zone and engage with people and activities I never thought I’d do.”
Student Futures is committed to enabling all students to reach their potential. Events like Next Gen Talent demonstrate that by creating inclusive spaces and meaningful employer connections, we can empower the next generation of graduates to step into their future with confidence.
Picture: LJMU students and co-creation interns with Linda Graham (Student Futures Careers & Employability Consultant) and Jennie Tannett (Student Futures Careers & Employability Trainer) at the Next Gen event.
