Bristol students given GCSE boost at 'inspirational' careers fair

Recently, approximately 1,500 students participated in an "inspiring" careers fair, providing a boost to their General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) studies. The fair aimed to help students better plan their future career development and enhance their motivation for learning. This initiative is crucial for guiding students towards making informed decisions about their educational and professional paths.

The free two-day event was held on March 13th and 14th at the Aerospace Bristol, with the imposing presence of the Concorde adding a unique atmosphere to the event. The event was founded by Junior Saunders, who, after feeling lost due to being expelled from several Bristol schools, established GCSE Boost Feel Better, a company dedicated to helping more students. Saunders' personal experience fueled his passion for creating opportunities for young people.

Mr. Saunders stated, "I felt very isolated 25 years ago, and now being able to be an advocate for education is incredibly meaningful and empowering for me. I was always considered the underdog, always told I wouldn't amount to anything, and wasn't academic enough. Through life and transferable skills, I understand that anything is possible. If I can instill that belief into Year 11 students and get them to be the best versions of themselves, then the sky is the limit." His commitment reflects a desire to empower students to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.

In addition to providing "inspiring and informative" content to help students prepare for the exam season, the event also included wellness workshops on mental health and nutrition. Career advice was also provided by local leading employers such as the University of Bristol and Lloyds Bank. Ian Browne from Lloyds Banking Group's Early Careers division stated, "They've all got different sports, hobbies, different roles within their families, and that uniqueness is what employers really need." The focus on holistic well-being and diverse perspectives enriched the event's offerings.

Chamba Rule, head of Life 2020, said, "I've been inspired by the things the students want to do, they all have high aspirations." One attendee said, "Someone said there's a difference between good stress and bad stress, and I've never really looked at stress that way before, but after listening to him, I realized that stress can be used in a good way." Mr. Saunders hopes that young people can discover their purpose, just as he found his. Another participant said, "His story is very inspiring, he proactively, rather than passively, changed his life. I'm okay academically, but I've had a lot of setbacks in my childhood, so this can help me be a better person, which is what I'm trying to do."