All the candidates outlined the issues facing young people in their workplaces and why they wanted to take on the role.

They all agreed that listening to young workers’ concerns and working with union colleagues and HR departments to find the best possible solutions was key.

From apprenticeships to career development and from two-tier workplaces to short-term contracts, the range of Prospect workplaces is huge but the challenges are very similar.

As one candidate said: “As a former apprentice, I know what their issues are. Young reps can listen, be active and make a difference.”

They were all united in wanting to ensure that young workers have a voice with their employers and all wanted to be part of a force that is helping to change things for the better.

One rep said that becoming active had opened her eyes to what Prospect does and how young people can integrate into the wider Prospect organisation.

Prospect organiser Sharon Brown said: “The energy and enthusiasm of everyone who attended the forum was inspiring. Given the age profile of reps in many of our sectors, one of the key challenges for the union is to inspire young people to become active.

“It is really encouraging that so many of them are up for the challenge.”

YPN committee

• Elinor Harrison, EDF Energy
• Abbie Rumsey, CABI
• Debbie Stringer, Sellafield
• Adam Rourke, Cavendish Nuclear
• Gary Best, Babcock Rosyth Dockyard
• Claire Grant, Babcock Rosyth Dockyard
• Nicola Wakefield, CABI
• Christian Sokolov, Science Museum, London
• Samuel Oyaletor, BT Adastral Park
• Dan Fahey, London & South east region