Co-op Academy Belle Vue, Co-op Academy Manchester and Co-op Academy North Manchester welcomed the tour, which aims to inspire 125,000 students nationwide by providing invaluable career insights and guidance from industry professionals to help students explore their future job prospects.

At Co-op Academy Belle Vue, students enjoyed a presentation from actor Olly Rhodes, who plays Billy Savage on Waterloo Road. His talk offered a personal look at the challenges and rewards of working in the entertainment industry.

During an interactive Q&A, students engaged with Olly, asking questions about acting, the television world, and how to succeed in creative careers. 

One student shared their thoughts on the experience, saying: "Having Olly Rhodes visit our academy was amazing! I’ve always loved Waterloo Road, so getting to hear from someone who’s actually in the show was really inspiring. It made me think seriously about my future and what I want to do after school. I’m definitely more motivated now."

At Co-op Academy North Manchester, students were excited to meet Liam Scholes, who plays Noel McManus in Waterloo Road. His insightful career talk helped students explore their post-16 pathways, offering advice on navigating the entertainment industry.

At Co-op Academy Manchester, students were excited to meet BBC Sports Reporter and Presenter Ross Fiddes, who shared his career journey and highlighted various roles within and outside of the BBC. Joining him was Alicia Forde who portrays Kelly Jo Rafferty in Waterloo Road, who offered a glimpse into the TV industry and talked to students about her own path to success.

Students left the session inspired by the variety of career opportunities available, with Ross and Alicia each offering practical advice during a Q&A session, offering insight into how students can pursue their passions.