Careers Week Start

Comedian Lloyd Griffith got Careers Week off to a fantastic start when he spoke to a packed lecture theatre.

The Grimsby-born comic, actor, and presenter told students to "grab every opportunity" to make their CV more interesting.

"No employer is interested in a boring CV," said Lloyd, who spoke to the students online from London.

"I know Toll Bar is a very good school for doing extra-curricular activities, including sport, drama and other after-school clubs."

"Do as much as you can. When you leave school, employers are wanting more than just GCSE and A-level qualifications."

"Just do anything that makes you stand out."

It is something he did during his time at St James' School, Grimsby, which he attended due to a music scholarship.

He read the subject at Exeter University and, after gaining his degree, went to London to study at the Royal Academy, with the ambition to be an opera singer.

It was while in the capital he went to a Comedy Club in a small room, asked what it was all about, and the experience changed his life.

"I fell in love with comedy and knew that was what I wanted to do."

Subsequently, he has presented Soccer AM and starred in television shows such as Ted Lasso, Nolly and had a lead role in Return to Paradise, broadcast on BBC 1 and filmed last year in Australia.

"When I was your age, I never thought you could do stuff on television if you were from Grimsby."

"I assumed it was only special people in London who could do that. It was not until I got to London I realised that I might be able to do it."

"Comedy started as a hobby, then I was paid for it and then I got an agent. It's all fallen into place at various points."

"I didn't have a real plan. I don't think it matters if you do not know what you want to do. I didn't."

"You do everything you can and things happen as a result."

But there are challenges in his chosen career.

"I go to auditions most weeks and have had to learn to deal with rejection."

But, generally, he has an "amazing job" which has taken him around the world, meeting some heroes along the way.

"I spent two days in Barcelona hanging around with Lionel Messi making a video," Lloyd, a Grimsby Town season ticket holder, told students.

It is all a long way from washing pots and peeling potatoes at the Sidewalk Café and then spending three years at Pizza Hut in Grimsby.

He gave a demonstration of his wonderful voice when asked if he would sing by Ava. He treated her to an arpeggio using her name to form the notes, to rapturous applause.

Organised by Careers Lead Mrs Fuller, Lloyd's was the first of 25 sessions arranged during Careers Week, many including external speakers.

Vice Principal Mr Fothergill said: "I'd like to thank Lloyd for his time as we know he is incredibly busy."

"His inspirational talk got the week off to a flying start. Now we can't wait to welcome our other speakers who will all give our students plenty to think about."

"It is a fantastic week to showcase the opportunities that are available to them."

A thumbs up for a great start to Careers Week.

Ava (back, right) and other students enjoy Lloyd's arpeggio.

Lloyd gives some sound advice during the session.