COPC students Unloc professional skills through workshop

City of Portsmouth College students who are aiming to study at Russell Group universities have been given top tips on confidence and public speaking by one of Portsmouth’s best.

Hayden Taylor, CEO of youth leadership organisation Unloc, gave an inspiring workshop focused on public speaking, confidence building and developing a professional presence to Aspire & Achieve students.

Through interactive activities and real-world insights, students explored how to communicate their ideas with impact, build self-belief and start creating meaningful professional networks using platforms like LinkedIn. Hayden’s session challenged students to think beyond their comfort zones and recognise the potential of their own voice.

The experience is part of a wider Aspire & Achieve programme designed to prepare high-performing students for success beyond college. Next, students will visit the University of Southampton – a prestigious Russell Group university – where they will meet current student ambassadors, tour the campus and experience a taster lecture in either Economics or Medicine.

Together, these experiences are helping students not only to aim high, but to feel ready and confident in taking their next steps towards university and future careers.