Motivational speaker Junior Saunders has delivered workshops to over 600 pupils at Lydiard Park Academy in Swindon last week, focusing on careers and future job opportunities.
Year 10 and Year 11 students, along with sixth formers, took part in the engaging workshops, which also covered key interview techniques as they prepare for life beyond school. Saunders, a familiar face at Lydiard Park Academy, has been a regular guest speaker in recent years, offering both large-scale assemblies and smaller, focused group sessions.
Drawing from his own challenging upbringing, Junior shared his journey of growing up in foster care, dealing with ADHD and dyslexia, and overcoming setbacks as a child in care in 1990s Bristol. At 14, he was close to being placed in a young offenders’ unit but instead made the decision to return home to his foster mother, Pearl, re-enter mainstream education, and complete his GCSEs.
Now running ‘Junior Inspiring Education’, a personal development service for secondary school students, Junior travels the UK delivering workshops that focus on careers, apprenticeships, and resilience.
Reflecting on his visit, Junior said: “It’s always a pleasure to visit Lydiard Park Academy and meet with the students. Every time I come here, I receive such a positive reception, and the students show a real willingness to engage and think differently about their futures.”
Chris, a Year 10 student, remarked: “I found it really useful. Junior spoke about how mistakes can be an opportunity to learn and grow. That’s something I’ll definitely keep in mind as I work towards my GCSEs.”
Katie, in Year 13, added: “It was great how he got everyone involved. He was also really funny, which made the session enjoyable. The interview skills section was particularly helpful – I now feel more confident about how to prepare for future job opportunities.”
Careers education is a core focus at Lydiard Park Academy, and workshops like these play a vital role in equipping students with the mindset and skills needed for success beyond the classroom.
