The Nottingham introduces Innovative Young People 2020 awards

We are searching for innovators showcasing entrepreneurial spirit throughout the pandemic and beyond with the launch of our Innovative Young People of 2020 awards.

The awards shine a light on examples of those aged 10-21 who have found inspiring ways of furthering their education or boosting career aspirations in 2020 and the many challenges the Covid-19 pandemic has brought.

Public nominations are being sought throughout October and November, after which a panel of judges from across the building society will determine the winners. 

One young person in each of three age categories – 10 to 13, 14 to 17 and 18 to 21 - will win a £250 tech voucher. What’s more, we will tell their stories to highlight to other young people that hurdles can be overcome as they begin to think about their own futures.

Head of People and Development Anne Leivers explains: “The Coronavirus pandemic has caused serious challenges for all, not least young people - many of whom have faced unprecedented hurdles in their education or career aspirations.

“Earlier on in the year we launched our Career Academy to help drive the aspirations of young people through hints and tips as to how careers can be kickstarted.

“The Innovative Young People awards are a great tie-in, and aims to highlight fantastic and inspirational examples of young people who have truly shone over what has been a very testing year for everyone. We are looking forward to receiving lots of nominations and sharing the stories of these young innovators.”

Examples of the type of nomination being sought could include;

• Young people who have set up their own business from home
• Inspirational home schooling or charitable efforts that have taken extensive planning and delivery
• Defying the odds to learn and develop skills that enhance future employability prospects
• Those who have blossomed confidence-wise due to online training and development during lockdown
• Young people whose career path has gone off in an inspirational new direction due to a lockdown ‘learn’ or change in circumstances

Anyone wanting to nominate a young person should send their submission to Innovative.YoungPeople@thenottingham.com.

Qualifying nominations will need to include the full name and contact number of the person submitting it and details of their relationship to the person they are putting forward.   

They should also include the name and age of the young person being nominated, as well as the town/city in which they live and a short write-up as to why he or she is a deserving entrant. Full awards competition terms and conditions can be found here.