Southampton Apprentice: Candidates Interview

Southampton Apprentice is BACK! Launched by the entrepreneurial society Fish on Toast and filmed by SUSUtv, the show is sure to grip the whole University. Just like the BBC’s popular show, […]


Southampton Apprentice is BACK! Launched by the entrepreneurial society Fish on Toast and filmed by SUSUtv, the show is sure to grip the whole University. Just like the BBC’s popular show, which features Lord Alan Sugar, the candidates will face a number of money making tasks involving brands such as Oceana, The Big Issue and Krispy Kreme. Each week a candidate will be fired, leaving the resulting winner with a £500 cash prize.

I was given the chance to interview three of the lucky candidates: Jacqueline, an Economics student, Jamie, a French and Spanish student and Bethany, who studies Accounting and Finance.

Why did you choose to go on the Southampton Apprentice?

Jacqueline: To give me the opportunity to get more experience in the business industry, and to improve my business skills such as marketing.

Jamie: I really enjoyed the BBC show and have a passion for business.

Bethany: I suppose I’m quite arrogant, I watch the BBC show and thought I could do much better than the candidates on there.

What similarities are there between the Southampton Apprentice and the BBC’s Apprentice?

Jacqueline: The tasks are the same but are a smaller scale than on the BBC show as the Southampton Students follows the same concept but is made specifically for students..

Jamie: The tasks are as enjoyable as on the BBC show and we learn new skills, however the winning teams don’t win every week.

Bethany: The structure’s very similar, we’re monitored during the tasks and questioned after.

Who is Southampton’s Alan Sugar?

Jacqueline: It changes every week depending on the company (that are in charge of the tasks, for example Krispy Kreme).

Jamie: It’s normally the company manager.

Bethany: It changes, every week, although Raymond could be Lord Alan as he tells us what we’re doing.

What’s been your favourite task so far?

Jacqueline: The task where we had to sell the Big Issues. It was difficult but very rewarding as we were giving back to the charity.

Jamie: The Krispy Kreme selling task as I think I’m a really good salesperson.

Bethany: I liked presenting as I’m good at it. I really enjoyed selling the Big Issue as it was rewarding, and I felt guilty selling the Krispy Kremes as we were up against RAG!

Who do you think will win?

Jacqueline: Obviously me, because of my skill set and experience!

Jamie: I reckon that I have a good chance as I have lots of good ideas and always help my team mates.

Bethany: I don’t know. Tom’s a good contestant, Jamie’s likeable, Jacqueline’s got her head in the game and Aaron’s an all rounder. Unlike the BBC’s show when you can tell who’s an idiot, everyone on here is good really.

Soton Tab or Wessex Scene?

Jacqueline: The Soton Tab, it has a more general audience.

Jamie: Soton Tab all the way!

Bethany: It depends on what I’m looking for, the Wessex Scene is more colloquial but the Soton Tab does the best reviews.

All of you lucky UoS students are invited to the grand finale (many surprises planned!) which is an open event on the 28th November at 6pm. Location TBC.