LVS Ascot – The Apprentice Finalist Inspires Students To Consider Future Options
02 Nov 2017
A leading candidate and finalist from The Apprentice in 2015, Richard Woods, was one of several high profile speakers at LVS Ascot on Tuesday 3rd October inspiring students to consider the benefits of apprenticeships. Successful entrepreneur Richard was joined by Coca-Cola’s Head of Apprenticeships Sharon Blyfield and Craig Cobb from Computacenter to discuss the different ways to gain employment at the ‘Routes To The World Of Work’ evening.
The stimulating and entertaining evening helped open the minds of students to looking at the skills they will need for the world of work and the many opportunities that will be available to them in the future. Parent Carol Milligan, whose son James is in Year 9 at the all-ability co-educational school, said: “It has been really good for parents to understand how our children have other options available to them other than the traditional university route. I didn’t realise until tonight that there were company sponsored degree apprenticeships available”.
The day before the latest series of the hit BBC show The Apprentice began, 2015 finalist Richard Woods took to the stage to talk about his meteoric rise and obsession for marketing and entrepreneurship which has led to him running a large portfolio of businesses including digital marketing agency Yomp and oil distribution company Top Up Fuels. He said: “It is really refreshing that LVS Ascot is actively involving businesses to dispel the myth that university is the only choice for young people. It is inspiring students to think differently and make the right choice for them”.
One of the largest multinational companies, Coca-Cola, was also represented on stage by Sharon Blyfield and two of their current apprentices, to give LVS Ascot students a flavour of how they can expect to benefit from an apprenticeship. Sharon said: “Tonight is a great opportunity for students and parents to hear real life apprentice experiences and why they chose to earn and learn with Coca-Cola”.
LVS Ascot Principal Christine Cunniffe said: “The workplace is rapidly changing, with 80% of the jobs that our Year 7 pupils will go on to when they leave education not even existing yet. Our job is to provide a broad and balanced curriculum and vibrant co-curricular programme to build resilience and develop key skills, and ensure that our students are aware of all the opportunities available to them when they leave. Tonight has helped equip them with that knowledge in an inspirational way”
Picture: The Apprentice 2015 finalist Richard Woods with LVS Ascot Principal Christine Cunniffe