Tips from Apprentice champ (From Swindon Advertiser)

Tips from Apprentice champ

5:51pm Sunday 20th January 2013 in News

HUNDREDS of students will be hoping to hear ‘You’re hired’ when they finish their college courses after picking up tips from a winner of The Apprentice.

Swindon College students met Alan Sugar’s apprentice Lee McQueen to hear advice about succeeding in their future careers.

Lee, who won the 2008 series of the BBC show, said he was hoping his story might inspire the students.

“The day was about inspiration and giving them tips and guidance on how they can improve themselves on either the grades they are getting or improve themselves for the ability to get a job or go to uni,” he said.

“I spoke about my experience and what has worked well for me. My story is a great one because normally students really get a feel for my background. “There are a lot of people here doing Level 2 and 3 BTEC courses and NVQs with a similar upbringing to me here, that is what works really well.

“It is not just about A-Levels and degrees, it is about showcasing raw talent.

“I have given all of them a task to go away with, I’ve asked them to think about the top three things they want to achieve over the next five years.

“The aim of the day is about giving them goals.

“It is a good thing that the college is inviting people in like this. Swindon College is looking at different ways to get the best out of their students.”

Lee, who grew up in North London, left school with a BTEC and spent four years in his first job as a trainee catering manager before moving into recruitment for 10 years.

Lee found fame in The Apprentice with his reverse pterodactyl impression and went on to win the show.

He now runs his own company, Raw Talent Academy.

Among the students who listened to one of three presentations Lee held on Wednesday was Laura McHugh, 22, who is studying forensic science.

“It is very inspiring to meet someone like Lee and it is good to see how successful he is now,” she said.

“Hearing his story has spurred me on to be successful. I want to do something in medicine in the future.”

Also among the students was 16-year-old Sophie Acres, who is studying Level 3 childcare.

“I always watch The Apprentice so it is exciting to see a celebrity,” she said.

“I want to be a primary school teacher and plan to study a university course here.”