Queen’s Students’ Union has launched the first ever QUB Apprentice Competition at the University.
In addition to the coveted title, contestants also have the chance to win a prestigious two-week placement with Deloitte as well as £200 worth of vouchers.
Star of this year’s BBC series The Apprentice, Jim Eastwood, has teamed up with Queen’s to host the final boardroom on November 23, where he will ‘hire’ the lucky winner.
Contestants were short-listed based on a CV application and a 30-second elevator pitch recorded to camera. They have now embarked on a series of tasks which will put their presentation, team work, creativity and negotiation skills to the test.
Along the way they will encounter some of the most experienced business people in Northern Ireland, including Dr Trefor Campbell, former Director Moy Park; Stephen Magorrian, Botanic Inns; John Blisard, Boojum; Darlene McCormick and Danny McConnell, Deloitte. After each task contestants will face the boardroom where at least one will be ‘fired’.
Commenting on the initiative, Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Tony Gallagher said: “Queen’s is committed to enhancing the employment prospects of all our students and graduates, whether this is through the skills and knowledge they will acquire from their courses, or the attributes and experiences they will gain from other activities.
“The Students’ Union is to be applauded for establishing the QUB Apprentice initiative; it will encourage students to develop their entrepreneurial skills and should be a lot of fun as well!”
Sixteen candidates were shortlisted and over 1,200 Queen’s students voted to select the final seven contestants.
Those who made it through are: Mogue Lawless (Milton Keynes/Olney), studying Business Geography; Owen McMeel (Moneyglass, Toomebridge, Co Antrim), studying Product Design and Development; Andrew Gordon (Carryduff, Co Antrim), studying Management; Nicole McShane (Strabane Co.Tyrone), studying Finance; Conal O’Hare (Newry, Co Down), studying Law; Luke McCann (Belfast, Co Antrim), studying Accountancy; and Declan Whiteford (Larne, Co Antrim), studying Actuarial Science.