As part of the JD Foundation mission, we strive to support young people to reach their full potential in life. And with a growing need for careers experience, we recently gave them the chance to learn new skills at an interactive JD careers fair.
Introducing: JD UP
Across two days at the Manchester Central, we levelled up the JD Foundation, inviting students from both local schools and JD Foundation charities to give young people an insight into all things JD.
Showcasing the wide range of departments within our group, they even got the chance to catch some big names up on stage…
Here’s what went down at JD UP! ⏪
Held at the state-of-the-art space on 18th-19th April, JD UP played host to 1900 students! 😮
In each zone, our hugely talented team of colleagues gave each student a glimpse into a different side of JD.
The Studio team showed them the world of photography and videography, letting their creative minds flow with tutorials on campaign shoots, modelling and styling.
As the groups went round in rotation, they also got to learn more about our Retail & Merchandising, Health & Safety, Marketing, Distribution Centre and Product Development teams. Every student then got the chance for a short Q&A to get a deeper knowledge on potential future careers.
Better yet, our JD Gyms PTs were on hand to put the students through their fitness paces! 💪
Applied Nutrition tested their reactions in the ‘Catch to Win’ game, whilst Crep Protect delivered the goods with the signature Cop or Flop machine and the Spin the Wheel board to win either trainers or Crep Protect prizes.
Featuring the latest campaigns from the likes of Nike, adidas, DAILYSZN, Jordan, The North Face and Montirex showcased around the space, it was up on stage where the action continued.
Our very own Rickey Devonish was joined by Global Managing Director Mike Armstrong, Chief People Officer Nicola Kowalczuk and Regional Sales & Operations Manager Paul Orange. Each of them shared their own career journey, starting out in Retail positions that eventually led them all the way to the Executive Leadership Team today.
They were also joined by our guy Chunkz! The YouTube King took questions from the audience and presented special awards to all standout attendees from the day 🏆🏆
Day two saw Rickey back on stage, this time joined by Sky Sports presenter and Match Of The Day reporter Kyle Walker, as the pair discussed about Kyle’s journey into the football media world and his experiences working with JD at some of the biggest events.
That’s it for JD UP 2024…
A big thank you to all of our partners and teams for showing up to help shape future careers for the next generation – we’ve already started planning the next one! 🤝
