News Gunn Talks Career Aims 27.01.2023

Top business marketing consultant Al Gunn was back at Collyer’s as a special guest for a lively and entertaining tv-style Q&A with Deputy Principal Steve Martell, Employability teacher Brian Dickinson and Collyer’s students, modestly discussing his fascinating career journey and offering advice about how students can compete in the future. Students asked questions about how to achieve business success and sales career’s advice.

Rebecca Adams, Director of Progression at Collyer’s, said: “It was incredibly generous of Al to give up so much of his valuable time take part in today’s session.”

During the event, Al and the group reflected on the world of work when he started his career back in 1980, touching on the changes in working patterns and technology to 2022, and how the landscape for the students may have changed by 2062!

Al Gunn told the students: “Like Steve, I care about helping people reach their potential and this is why I really enjoy these sessions. There is a supportive culture at Collyer’s in helping with careers. I wish I had this programme and people like Steve, Brian, and Rebecca when I was at school!”

Steve Martell said: “Al is actively making a difference and passionate about helping the next generation. He really is an outstanding, inspiring speaker who has indefatigable energy and genuine passion.”

Alongside the taught employability sessions, the college’s numerous progression activities this year will include inspiring guest speakers such as Al Gunn, mock interviews, employability skills workshops, ‘Next Steps’ careers evenings, careers fair, work experience, HE events, Oxbridge sessions, and a host of other trips and activities in conjunction with key national, regional, and local partner organisations.

Collyer’s Vice Principal (Pastoral) Andrea John added: “We are incredibly grateful to Al Gunn for his continued support of the important employability work we are doing here at Collyer’s. By sharing his experiences from a hugely successful career, Al is helping to motivate our young people move onto the correct career pathways.”