Apprentice Event a Success

The London based 30-year-old talked to around 40 students and over 70 local business representatives in two separate events aimed at promoting the value of Apprenticeships.

She spoke about her experiences on one of the UK’s most seen programmes, describing the experience as the ‘toughest six weeks of my life.’

Since the show aired, Claire went on to work for Alan Sugar for six months.

Today, she currently runs her own business consultancy firm and can list the General Trading Company, Kids Company and Women’s Aid as some of her clients. She also regularly appears on Radio 4 and GMTV.

She said, “I really enjoyed my visit to Otley College.”

“It’s really important to get the message out to businesses that hiring Apprentices is a great way of gaining and training quality staff.”

“The Apprenticeship educational route is also an excellent way for young people to gain the skills they need to be a success in the business world,” she added.

Otley was delighted that this event was supported by a local campaign called the Year of Skills. The Year of Skills initiative is aimed at helping businesses ensure their workforces are well equipped to compete not only locally, but in some cases globally, at a time when having the competitive edge is critical.

John Dugmore is a representative from the Year of Skills partnership and Chief Executive of the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce. He said, "It was a thoroughly enjoyable event and Claire put across an interesting and light-hearted insight in to what it was like being one of Alan Sugar's apprentices. Apprenticeships are vital for the much needed increase in the skills set of the Suffolk economy.

Claire also stressed that entrepreneurialism is crucial in the workplace today.

"I am delighted that this event was part of the Year of Skills and am particularly pleased that this event took place during National Apprenticeship Week.”

Claire was joined by Tom Parkhurst, who at just 19 is one - if not the - youngest landlord in the UK.

(Tom is currently in charge of The Four Horseshoes based at Thornham Magna, Suffolk).

He studied on an Apprenticeship at Otley College and briefly spoke of the confidence that he has gained thanks to this mode of study.

College spokesperson, John Nice, said, “This event took place during National Apprenticeship Week and it was fascinating finding out about Claire’s business and TV experiences.”

“We are committed to working with businesses and helping students of all ages achieve and this was the constant theme expressed during this occasion.”

“It’s essential - as both a county, a region and a country - that we all work together in these current times, with the aim of facing the future with confidence.”

“And as a result of this event, I’d like to think that we are making a positive contribution in trying to ensure that this happens.”