The roundtable, themed “Unlocking Opportunity”, brought together major North East employers and education leaders to discuss how business can play a stronger role in creating jobs, widening access to opportunity and support regional economic growth.

Through the Purpose Lab’s partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society, students had the opportunity to experience the show first-hand, gaining insight into a sector that is often seen as traditional, specialist or difficult to access.

My experience as Purpose Lab’s Student Ambassador was precisely that: a crucible of growth, purposeful leadership, and insight.

Every session of Purpose Lab is always transformative and a masterclass about an organisation that leads with innovation, vision, inclusion, and is purpose-driven.

Before Purpose Lab, writing about myself felt harder than debugging code. I questioned whether my story mattered, how I fitted into tech spaces, and whether I really belonged in conversations about careers, purpose, and the future of work.

With each session, my determination has strengthened for building infrastructure that is not only resilient but also socially conscious and human-centred.

I’m a digital student at Teesside University, and through the Purpose Lab Student Ambassador Scheme, I’ve had the opportunity to join powerful conversations about how employers can support inclusion and create real career access.

Tech careers in the NHS; I didn’t believe it—until Purpose Lab made it real for me!