LIFI Futures in pictures

Last year, LIFI ran a single schools event. This year it grew into LIFI Futures, a strand of four events built around the questions 16 to 19 year olds in Leeds ask most. They covered apprenticeships, getting a job, maths, and how to be yourself. Employers, educators and young people shared a room at Leeds Playhouse and talked about the things that matter once school is done.

Why does no one talk about apprenticeships?

Wednesday 7 October, Rock Void. In conjunction with Weightmans and Luminate Education Group.

LIFI Futures started by busting myths. Larry Budd hosted Laura Collins, Editor-in-Chief of the Yorkshire Evening Post; Libby Morgan, Apprentice Solicitor at Weightmans LLP; and Paula Willoughby, Apprenticeships Manager at Morrisons. They covered what an apprenticeship really is, how to get one, and where it can lead. If you missed it, you can watch the full event below.

Is maths the root of everything?

Wednesday 7 October. Hosted by Rachel Riley MBE.

Later that day, Rachel Riley MBE took the stage as Leeds marked its year as the UK’s first City of Maths. The event set out to prove that numbers turn up in far more places than the classroom.

What no one told you about getting a job

Thursday 8 October, Courtyard Theatre. In partnership with Luminate Education Group.

Around 1 in 8 young people in the UK are now classed as NEET (not in employment, education or training). Broadcaster and documentary maker Rima Ahmed asked why that first step onto the career ladder has become so hard. She was joined by Mushy Asghar; Kathryn Curran of Lloyds Banking Group; Nad Ghani of Morrisons; Kate O’Connell of Leeds Health and Care Academy and the NHS; and Katie Rankin of Jet2.

How to be unapologetically you?

Friday 9 October, Quarry Theatre.

LIFI Futures closed in the Quarry Theatre. Shanequa Paris hosted Tasha Ghouri, Dr Radha Modgil, Ash Palmisciano and Stevie Ward for a conversation about identity, confidence and taking up space.