Who needs Sir Alan Sugar?

Well, local young people can now have that opportunity, thanks to the Larne Apprentice Competition, organised by LEDCOM and Larne Borough Council as part of the Larne Youth Opportunities Programme.

This unique contest is designed to help young people between the aged of 18 and 25 gain new workskills within a business environment.

Mayor of Larne, Councillor Gerardine Mulvenna, launched the Larne Apprentice Competition this week.

“The Larne Apprentice Competition will highlight the wonderful talents of our young people as well as encouraging them to stretch themselves and enhance their prospects for employment and self-employment”, she said.

“I would ask everyone to use your contacts and influence to promote the competition and encourage as many young people as possible to apply for what will be an amazing opportunity.”

The competition will conclude with a final with special guest Jim Eastwood, who was a popular finalist in The Apprentice television programme.

The Larne Apprentice Competition is being supported by the Larne Times. Editor, Valerie Martin, said: “We plan to give regular updates on the competition and how the participating young people progress through it. We want to encourage the local community to really get behind them”.

The competition will enable young people to make contact with business owners and leaders in the greater Larne area. It has been designed to develop and assess the participants using a balanced scorecard approach to develop business acumen, attitude, social understanding and leadership.

The initiative is being supported by local businesses giving voluntary time and business experience to help the candidates throughout the eight weeks of the competition as well as enhancing their future career prospects.

Members of Larne Traders Forum and member companies of the Business in the Community Business Leadership Network are also supporting the Larne Apprentice Competition.

The benefits of taking part in the Larne Apprentice Competition include:

• The winner will receive an iPad with the runner-up receiving a tablet computer, with other prizes for all who complete the competition.

• Certificates will also be given to all completing participants.

• Up to 10 hours one-to-one mentoring from local business representatives to assist with career development.

• It will bring participants into contact with employers with the potential to advance employment opportunities.

• The Larne Apprentice Competition is designed to be fun and interactive. Participation will enhance participants CVs and their ability to compete for jobs.

Information on the Larne Apprentice Competition is available from Audrey Murray at LEDCOM (telephone 2826 9973) or [email protected]

Information can also be downloaded from www.larne.gov.uk and www.ledcom.org