Hartlepool students inspired to follow in banking boss's footsteps

Guest lecturer David Roberts, the Chairman of Nationwide Building Society, talked about what he has learned in life, personal experiences and how he got to where he is today.

It was aimed at inspiring the students to believe in themselves and encourage them to achieve their life goals.

Mr Roberts, who has also held senior positions in Barclays bank and Austria’s second largest retail bank, spoke to a captive audience of students studying Business and Economics as well as other subjects.

Tracy Hall, A-level Business and Economics tutor at Hartlepool Sixth Form College, said: “He came across really well.

“He spoke about how he got into banking, his education and life skills. He explained it is not just about how good you are academically, but how communication skills and how you work with people is what employers are looking for as well.

“He was very down to earth and spoke to the students as individuals.

“It motivated them to think ‘we can achieve that’.”

Mr Roberts told the students: “I had lots of advantages but they were non of money, a posh school or anything like that.

“My advantages were a family that encouraged me to learn, a set of experiences and friends that helped me to learn who I was, and sport.”

He also explained about apprentice opportunities at Nationwide and answered questions.

The event was organised through the organisation Speakers for Schools.