Careers Inspiration from JD Sports

Last week, our Year 10 students headed to the Manchester Central Convention Centre for the JDUP event, and it was a brilliant way to get a real look at the world of retail, design, and logistics. This event, run by the JD Sports Foundation, is all about bridging the gap between what happens in the classroom and the realities of modern employment, and it gave our students a fantastic chance to explore different career paths.
The day was packed with hands-on experiences. Our students jumped straight in, trying their hand at everything from HGV simulators and DJ booths to interactive brand sessions with partners like Nike and Adidas. It was a great way for them to see how diverse the professional world is and to understand the specific skills required across these industries.
A real highlight for the group was hearing from an impressive line-up of speakers, including Angry Ginge and The Bov Boys. Their stories were genuinely inspiring, and it was clear they resonated with the students, offering them a fresh perspective on what can be achieved with focus and determination.
This visit was an essential part of our commitment to helping students map out their futures. By engaging directly with industry experts and seeing these roles in action, our Year 10s have returned to school with a much clearer understanding of the opportunities ahead and the steps they need to take to succeed.