The Tasks

There will be four tasks set throughout the academic year and at the end of each task the lowest scoring team will leave the Apprentice. The boards decision is final.

Following the interview stage two candidates will be selected to take part in the final charity event.

To help teams through each stage an expert in the relevant field will brief teams on the task, offer support, advice and detail what will be expected. Mentor sessions will be available to support teams during the competition.

Task 1: Customer Satisfaction & Market Research

Expert: Pauline McGee, People Dimensions

Your team will research the needs of young mobile users in the Isle of Man.
It will be up to each team to decide which research method to use e.g. focus groups, survey forms.
Following the results of the market research teams should document some recommendations of how Sure can improve its services to match the needs of young mobile users.
Findings will be compiled into a report that will be submitted to the board.

Task 2: Marketing

Expert: Terry Van Rhyn, Managing Director, Ashgrove Marketing

Sure have launched a product for pay as you go and pay monthly customers that enables them to get free calls to three numbers 24/7
You must identify the target market for the product and come up with a marketing plan
Teams will be encouraged to be as creative as possible and come up with alternative ideas that will compliment mainstream media.
Your marketing plan and ideas will then be presented to the board

Task 3: Design a Communications Device of the future

Expert: James Hewitt, Retail Sales Manager, Sure

Teams will be tasked with designing a communications device of the future.
Teams will research what applications are most popular with users and what new developments are being made.
The final mobile product will be submitted to the board and will be made available on-line for the public to vote
The final score for the task will be decided by 50% public vote and 50% board members.

Task 4: Personal Development & Interviewing

Expert: Sharon Kissack, Ambitions Recruitment

The final team will work with Sharon to develop interview skills and their CV.
The final team will then be interviewed by the board with the two finalists being selected at this stage.

The Final: Charity Event

Expert: Lesley Turnbull, Wish Upon a Dream

The two finalists of the apprentice will be challenged with organising a charity event
Each finalist will be set a budget and encouraged to build a team of fellow students to help complete the task
The final task will be assessed on teamwork, managing a budget, creativity, the amount of money raised and success of the event.