Reggie Yates has been unveiled as the latest star speaker for the Association of Colleges’ annual conference.

The actor, presenter and DJ will join other big names including the broadcaster Steph McGovern and the comedian Ruby Wax, at the event which takes place between November 15 and 17 at the ICC in Birmingham.

The conference will also feature the first speech to delegates from the new apprenticeships and skills minister Robert Halfon since he was handed the ministerial brief in July.
Mr Yates (pictured) is the opening speaker for the event, and will discuss his time at City and Islington College and how it supported him in his broadcasting career and achievements.

As a previous AoC Gold Award winner, he will also be interviewed by Ms McGovern, who has signed up to chair the conference, the first under the AoC’s new chief David Hughes since he took over from Martin Doel.

The comedian, author and mental health campaigner Ruby Wax OBE will deliver a keynote speech on the morning of November 16, while the TV impressionist Jon Culshaw will also make an appearance, entertaining dinner guests at the AoC Charitable Trust Beacon Awards ceremony that evening.

 

Ruby Wax will also speak at the conference
Ruby Wax will also speak at the conference

Mr Yates first found fame in the Disney hit comedy Desmonds aged just eight, and went on to host the children’s TV shows Diggit and Smile on the BBC.

He landed on primetime TV with a hosting gig at Top of the Pops, and spent several successful years at Radio 1 presenting Weekend Breakfast, the Request Show and the Chart Show until December 2012.

He has also voiced the lead character in hit children’s animated TV series Rastamouse for CBBC.

Other TV appearances include documentary work such as Reggie Yates: Extreme Russia in 2015, which won the Best Factual Programme at the Edinburgh TV Awards and the RTS award for Best Programme and Best Presenter.

Behind the camera, Mr Yates’ career has include writing and directing.

His first short film, Patriarch, was aired on Channel 4 as part of their Random Acts season, while his second, Date Night, won best UK Short at the London Independent Film Festival.

“We’re delighted to have Reggie Yates coming to speak at the AoC’s annual conference and exhibition,” said an AoC spokesperson.

“Reggie won an AoC Gold Award earlier this year, as a testament to how a former college student has gone on to become so successful in his chosen career.”

She added: “He will be the first speaker at the conference and I have no doubt that hearing about his experiences as a student, and how City and Islington College helped him get to where he is now, will be inspirational to delegates.”

FE Week is the premier media partner for the conference and exhibition, so look out for more reports on what to expect in the coming weeks.

For more information and to book a place at the AoC annual conference and exhibition,
you can also visit www.aocannualconference.co.uk

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