As National Careers Week got underway, Trent College welcomed back one of its most entrepreneurial former pupils, Dan Miller (Class of 2016), for a visit that left a lasting impression on students across the school.

Returning ten years after leaving Trent, Dan’s journey from student entrepreneur to founder of Young Professionals,  and current candidate on BBC’s The Apprentice, provided a powerful and relatable example of what is possible beyond school.

A message that resonated across year groups

From Sixth Form to Year 10 Business students,  and even younger pupils who recognised him from television, there was a palpable sense of excitement. Yet it was the substance of Dan’s message, not just his profile, that made the greatest impact.

In a Sixth Form assembly and follow up sessions, Dan shared openly how he launched his business at just 17, building it from his bedroom while studying for A Levels. His story of cold-calling major organisations, securing early sponsorship, and creating opportunities where none existed struck a chord with students navigating their own next steps.

He spoke candidly about uncertainty at school, explaining that he did not feel a traditional university route was right for him at the time. Instead, he identified a gap;  a lack of accessible information about careers and graduate opportunities, and acted on it. That willingness to take initiative became a central theme of his advice.

As he told students, having a fixed plan is not essential. Being open-minded, proactive and willing to explore different pathways can be just as valuable.

Real-world insight and practical guidance

Across the day, Dan delivered a range of sessions designed to equip students with tangible skills and knowledge. These included:

- A Sixth Form Q&A exploring his business journey and lessons from television

- Insight into the realities of filming The Apprentice and managing professional reputation

- A Year 10 business-focused session on marketing, funding and scaling a start-up

- A Year 12 apprenticeship workshop centred on commercial awareness and standing out in applications

Students gained a clear understanding of the competitive nature of today’s job market and the importance of developing what Dan described as “intrapreneurial” skills,  combining initiative, creativity and commercial awareness within any career path.

He also highlighted the growing value of experiences such as gap years and work exposure, reinforcing that career journeys are rarely linear.

Making ambition feel achievable

Perhaps the most powerful aspect of the visit was its relatability. Dan spoke not as a distant success story, but as someone who once sat in the same classrooms,  even recalling his early ventures selling sweets from his locker and his determination to build connections while still at school!

For students, this authenticity helped bridge the gap between aspiration and reality. Hearing directly from a former pupil who has navigated uncertainty, taken risks and built a successful business made future possibilities feel more accessible.

Dan also emphasised resilience,  from managing financial pressures in the early days of his business to navigating setbacks and long payment cycles,  reinforcing that success is often built through persistence and adaptability.

Dan talking to Year 12 Apprenticeship Group (Careers Hub)

The value of alumni engagement

The visit highlighted the significant role Old Tridents play in enriching the student experience. By sharing honest insights, practical advice and real-world experiences, alumni like Dan provide a vital link between education and future careers.

For Trent students, the takeaway was clear: there is no single path to success, but confidence, curiosity and a willingness to act on opportunities can open doors.

We are extremely grateful to Dan for spending the day at Trent College, during such a busy time for him. As the 20th anniversary series of The Apprentice continues, we wish Dan the best of luck!