TWN recently held its fourth Young Women’s Inspirational Conference at the Waterfront Hall. The conference inspired local young women between the ages of 16 and 18 to take control of their career and lifestyle choices.

The conference highlighted the role of inspirational women from various backgrounds and trades, with delegates sampling a range of career options. Well known Eastenders and Bill star and Strictly Come Dancing contestant Louisa Lytton was in Belfast to deliver the keynote address, sharing some valuable tips on career and lifestyle choices.

Young Women attending the event were given the opportunity to participate in a range of dynamic interactive workshops focused on the opportunities that lie in vocational areas. Workshops included Be Your Own Boss with Young Enterprise NI; Beauty School with The Hair & Beauty Academy; Jobs for the Girls with Women’s TEC and Beat n’ Track with Tessa Greer and Lisa Falvelle. Tessa Greer from Beat ‘n’ Track said:

“Beat ‘n’ Track have supported the Young Women’s Conference over the last 5 years. It’s a pleasure to once again be working with such a diverse group of young women at this event, which will give them a chance to explore a range of alternative career options”.

Commenting on the importance of the conference Norma Shearer, Training for Women Network CEO said:

“At TWN, we recognise it is often difficult for young women today to make informed decisions about their career options and lifestyle choices. With the help of the workshops and speakers at this unique event, we are confident that the young women attending have had access to a wealth of information and support which will help them to make better informed decisions and take control of their futures”.

The conference was endorsed by the Department of Education as a valuable contribution to improving the careers, education and employment prospects of young women and encouraging them to remain in education and training. The conference also gained widespread support from a range of organisations throughout Northern Ireland including European Social Fund, Department for Employment and Learning, Belfast City Council and The Department for Education.