Judging alongside Subash Thakrar (Chairman of London Chamber of Commerce & Industry Partner, for the National Student Apprentice Grand Final 2013.

The National Student Apprentice is a national competition that brings together students from over 20 universities for a practical opportunity to showcase their professional skills and entrepreneurial ability in a real business environment in front of a wide range of professionals, academics and top entrepreneurs.

Over the last three months, six Regional Apprentice Competitions were executed around the UK with over 500 university students competing to win their region in a bid to make it through to the Grand Final. The hopeful candidates participated in a fantastic programme of events including exciting Apprentice-Style Challenges and practical tasks.

In the Grand Final event last week, six teams battled it out in a Lord Sugar boardroom style pitch, using their personality, wit and charm in an attempt to win over the judges. I can honestly say, I know what that feels like! The event was a huge success and provided students with an incredible unique opportunity to present their ideas and network with top students around the UK, renowned entrepreneurial figures, key corporates, university professors, industry professionals and national media. I was very impressed with the level of candidates in this competition. All the contestants showcased their creativity, entrepreneurial skills, and determination very professionally making it very difficult for the judges to select the winning team.

The National Student Apprentice is a great chance for students to get out of their comfort zone, be inspired and learn new skills. I would certainly recommend students take full advantages of opportunities like these the experience alone can be invaluable. This competition indeed reminded me of my own experience on the apprentice!

Taking part in The Apprentice in 2012, was a life changing opportunity for me and I can hardly believe it’s almost been a year since I won the competition and gained an investment from Lord Sugar to set up my consultancy, Hyper Recruitment Solutions (HRS). Find out how we are celebrating our one year anniversary here...

It has taken a great deal of hard work, dedication and commitment to establish the company. We are currently expanding our company to suit the areas of science, technology and engineering and continue to place a significant number of professionals into new career roles.

I offer my congratulations to the winners once again, and wish all those that took part in the competition, all the best for the future.

To find out more about The National Student Apprentice please visit:

https://www.facebook.com/NationalStudentApprentice