For anyone that doesn't know, I write the Apprentice blog for our sister site BusinessZone.co.uk and thought I would continue my musings here on TZ, afterall the topic of leadership, collaboration, innovation, motivation and presentations are topics close to the hearts of many trainers.
Anyway, to cut a long story short - the Apprentice is back on Weds at 9pm on BBC1 and BBC HD - but rather than a bunch of megalomaniacs with aspirations to be the next big thing in TV presenting, we have a gang of 16-17-year-olds who are keen to show Lord Sugar they have what it takes to be the next Junior Apprentice and scoop the £25k prize fund.
I will be back following the highs and lows of the 10 wannabe entrepreneurs who are pitted against each other as well as seeing how Karren Brady fills the shoes of the fantastic Margaret Mountford who quit last series.
So who are these little whippersnappers?
The BBC has revealed the teenage wannabe tycoons who will be competing in the Junior Apprentice starting this Wednesday. Here they are:
The girls
Emma Walker
Age: 16
Education: Studying for AS Levels in Maths, Business Studies, Economics, Politics & Biology
Lives: Cheshire
Facts: Emma has a passion for achieving and believes that “if you make your own bed, you should lie in it”. Selling eggs and sweets to make money, she believes in never giving up and hard work is the key to achieving success.
She says: “No matter what life throws at me I’m going to work hard to achieve my goals.”
Hannah Cherry
Age: 17
Education: Advanced Apprenticeship in IT Services & Development
Lives: Bedfordshire
Facts: Inventor Hannah admits to being competitive with an adaptable, flexible approach to work. Having achieved 100% in her Business AS Level, Hannah has gone on to achieve a multitude of qualifications as part of her IT Academy course.
She says: “I’m so driven and determined to be a success and I’m focused on what I want to achieve in the future.”
Hibah Ansary
Age: 16
Education: Studying for AS Levels in Maths, Biology, Latin & Chemistry
Lives: Manchester
Facts: Hibah believes that entrepreneurialism is in her blood – she currently helps out in her father’s business, and plans to one day open her own cosmetic surgery clinic. An advanced violinist, and self-confessed “girly girl”, Hibah is “confident and articulate”, but doesn’t take life too seriously.
She says: “It’s survival of the fittest and only someone with my stamina and my determination will make it to the number one spot.”
Kirsty Cleaver
Age: 17
Education: Higher Modern Studies, Higher Drama, Higher Business Management
Lives: Scotland
Facts: Kirsty is a self-confessed sports fanatic with an interest in “pretty much any sport”. Her first job was as a waitress in her parents’ restaurant where she served breakfast before school. Kirsty still works there now, and is involved in running the family business.
She says: “I believe you have to work hard to succeed. You have to be lucky to be good and good to be lucky.”
Zoe Plummer
Age: 16
Education: Studying for AS Levels in English, French, German, Drama and Art
Lives: London
Facts: Zoe spends her free time selling vintage clothes from a market stall in London. She is an advanced open water scuba diver who isn’t afraid to speak her mind. Zoe hopes to one day combine her love of foreign languages and business by starting up a foreign law interpretation firm.
She says: “I’m quite a charismatic, vivacious person. You wouldn’t see me on the street in a grey pinstriped suit and just blend in to the crowd.”
The boys
Adam Eliaz
Age: 17
Education: 8 GCSEs
Lives: London
Facts: Adam left school at 16 determined to succeed in business. He has since gone on to run his own online company selling camping and fishing equipment. He admits that he can be argumentative, but he’s not afraid of hard work.
He says: “I am not shy and communicate with anyone and everyone.”
Arjun Rajyagor
Age: 17
Education: A Levels in Physics, Maths and Systems & Control, AS Level Further Maths
Lives: Essex
Facts: Self-confessed maths fanatic Arjun loves computers – he built his own aged 12, and now runs a repair business from his bedroom.
He says: “Always look at the end goal and find a way to get there. Do what has to be done and never allow yourself to look back in regret.”
Jordan De Courcy
Age: 16
Education: Studying for the Leaving Certificate in Maths, Irish, English, French, Business, Economics and Geography
Lives: Co. Wicklow, Ireland
Facts: Jordan set up his first business when he was 12, and now runs a juice bar in Dublin. His hobbies include graphic design and website promotion, and he also loves to cook. He is continuously adding to his business portfolio and is currently working on a natural skincare range.
He says: “I see myself as a successful business man with many different business principles.”
Rhys Rosser
Age: 17
Education: A Level History, AS Level Physics, studying for A Levels in English, Business and French
Lives: Wales
Facts: Public speaking champion in his region, Rhys believes that the most important thing in business is to know what you are doing, and that the customer isn’t always right. His spare time is spent mainly working in his parent’s hotel.
He says: “I’m going to use this opportunity to show people that I’m not a business boy, I’m a businessman.”
Tim Ankers
Age: 17
Education: Studying for A Levels in Politics, History, Economics and General Studies
Lives: Lancashire
Facts: Tim believes that the most important thing in business is good common sense. Head Boy at his school, his first job was as a stable boy for his neighbours. Despite not coming from a farming background, Tim earns money from farm work and gardening when he’s not studying.
He says: “Be friendly to everyone, take nothing to heart and keep it simple.”
Junior Apprentice starts Wednesday 12 May at 9pm on BBC1 and BBC HD. Read my thoughts on the first episode on Thursday morning.
