A FORMER TV apprentice was in Swindon yesterday to pass on his knowledge to the next generation of young workers.

Lee McQueen, who won the BBC show The Apprentice in 2008, visited Swindon College to inspire students and give them tips on how to succeed when looking for a job.

He held four separate classes each of about 15 youngsters, giving them the opportunity to ask questions and take part in activities.

It is the second time Lee has visited the college after giving a successful talk last year.

He said: “I just want to come here and pass on my experiences and knowledge. “I think I have been relatively successful in what I’ve done so I now want to pass that on to others and give them as best a chance as possible. What I learned on the television is important and we use the skills here in the talk.”

Lee is now running his own company, Raw Talent Academy, which aims to help youngsters on to the job ladder.

“Although the job market is improving there are still more than one million young people unemployed,” he said.

“It is very difficult these days with so many looking to get so few jobs so I am glad to help them in any way I can.”

After the talk the students said it had given them extra confidence.

“It’s been a really helpful and interesting talk,” said Leah Toomey,19, of Calne.

“I liked the way it was interactive so we could all ask questions and get even more from the day. “I’ve spent four years at college and am looking to go to London.

“Lee told us the importance of learning to speak with people and building up good contacts so there is definitely a lot to take from today.”

Also present was James East, 16, of Gorse Hill, who said that while he is not planning on a career in business, there was still a lot to take away from the day.

He said: “I think it gave a lot of useful information which people will be able to use.”