The Class of 2021

This issue is brought to you by Generation C There’s rarely been a harder time to be young, but this generation holds a wealth of talent that must not go untapped. From PTs to aspiring reporters, meet our junior recruits

RORY ALLEN

After qualifying as a PT last July, Allen started his first job in the fitness industry at Training Space, Essex, later that month. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, he has never looked back. He worked alongside our fitness editor, Andrew Tracey, to put together this month’s issue. Find him at @roryallenacm.

CAMERON BISSETT

Bissett has a Master’s degree in biochemistry from Oxford University, where he conducted his research at the Jenner Institute’s outbreak and emerging pathogens lab – the home of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine. Now a researcher with a focus on the novel coronavirus, he talks you through the process from first jab to immunity on page 25.

OLIVER CLARKE

Strongman competitor Clarke achieved a level-3 PT qualification last September and now works at Hertfordbased gym Maverick Strength. “It’s been a tough time to start as a PT,” he says. “I’ve mostly had to train people outside in a field!” On page 117, he offers his top tips for building boulder-like biceps.

BRYONY GOOCH

English student Gooch is an editor at Exeter University’s Exeposé newspaper. On page 66, she and her fellow students Powell, Bell and Syme report on the daunting hurdles now facing Generation C: “The link between higher education and social mobility feels a little flimsy when you’re completing your degree from your bedroom,” she says.

NICK POWELL

Powell studies politics at Exeter University, captains the Rugby league team and edits the sports pages of Exeposé – a job that combines his two biggest passions. He hopes to establish a career in sports journalism while continuing to play rugby at an amateur level.

IBRAHIM AIRES

An advocate for youth mental health services, 17-year-old Aires was a cover star of our June 2019 issue and a leading voice in our feature “Male Mental Health: The Next Generation”. He hopes to study marketing and later work in advertising. On page 12, he interviews David Willetts about COVID-19’s impact on intergenerational inequality.

KAMILA BELL

A print editor at Exeposé alongside Gooch, Bell is an international relations student at Exeter University, where she is now in her final year.

Away from her studies, Bell lives in Bournemouth and can generally be found paddleboarding along the coast.

JACOB EMERSON

Having started his career as a kitchen porter, the 23-yearold Emerson is now sous chef at

Quo Vadis in Soho – home of the iconic smoked eel sandwich – under executive chef Jeremy Lee and head chef Doug Sims. “I love using local, seasonal

British produce,” he says. He shares the tools of his trade on page 34.

ALEX MISTLIN

Guardian journalist Mistlin writes that social media can be harnessed as a tool for meaningful interaction (page 94). “It’s too often covered by older, more privileged people who don’t fully appreciate how revolutionary it can be in granting marginalised people access to information and social bonds,” he tells us.

PETE SYME

English student Syme is the deputy editor of Exeposé. Despite the chaos caused by the pandemic, he says that working on the student paper has given his life at university a sense of purpose. He aims to pursue journalism after graduation.

ROBBIE LUBOYA

Trainer Luboya has been working as a fitness model for a year and a half. “Grabbing new opportunities has been difficult,” he says. “Last year was disruptive in terms of career progression.” But he also feels that the events of recent months have sharpened his focus. You’ll find his deft demonstrations on page 58.