'Students who engage in politics get my vote'

WHEN we talk about preparing learners for the world of work, we often focus on developing employability skills such as communication, teamwork, and resilience. Yet an equally vital part of that preparation is helping young people to understand their role in society - as informed citizens with a voice that matters.

- Gill Walker - Business lecturer at Stoke-on-Trent College

That's why activities such as UK Parliament Week play such an important part in our learners' broader development here at Stoke-on-Trent College.

Many young people today feel disconnected from politics. They might see Parliament as something distant or irrelevant to their everyday lives.

However, democracy underpins so much of what affects them from the education they receive to the rights they enjoy in the workplace. For that reason, it is essential that learners gain a clear understanding of how our parliamentary system operates and why participation in democracy is so important.

During UK Parliament Week, my business learners explored how laws are created and how decisions made in Westminster filter down to shape our local communities.

We looked at the Houses of Commons and Lords, learning about their different roles in debating, amending, and approving legislation.

We discussed the principle of Royal Assent and what happens when a bill becomes law - linking this to real-world examples relevant to business and employment, such as the National Minimum Wage Act and the Equality Act. Through this process, learners began to see Parliament not as an abstract institution but as something tangible - a structure that protects rights, shapes opportunities, and gives them a stake in the future.

For many of our students, the idea of speaking to or challenging those in positions of power can feel intimidating.