Ictu assistant general secretary, Sally Ann Kinahan, explained “The aim of the awards is to celebrate student creativity and engagement with aspects of the Decent Work Agenda and Trade Union Movement's ethos. This year students were asked to research income inequality, its bearing on society, and possible solutions.”

An added award this year 'The People's Choice Award' invites the public to vote on their favourite shortlisted video. The 32 shortlisted videos are now available to view on the Youth Connect website  which also hosts the online voting form where you can vote for your favourite video. Voting will remain open until 1pm on Monday 23^rd February.   

Youth Connect’s programme coordinator, Cliona O’Connell, said she is thrilled by the calibre of videos submitted and the enthusiasm shown by students. “It’s fair to say that we certainly set a challenge for students this year. Income inequality is a complex issue and we wanted young people to interpret how it impacts on their own lives and society in general. We were blown away by the response!”

Cliona explained they’ve received 90 videos “They range from the poignant to the reflective, the optimistic and the emphatic, to the downright hilarious! Yet all the while a serious message shines through. Young people are frustrated by inequality in all its forms and maintain a deep sense of what is fair and what is right. If we really care what young people think, we only need to ask.”

You can watch a short video of last year's event here and, if you would like to join the guest list for this year’s event, send your request by email to the Youth Connect programme.