News

Young people urged to apply for the Science Oxford Apprentice

Thursday, 17 December 2009 5:21pm

Science Oxford and Oxford Brookes University are looking for applicants to compete in the Science Oxford Apprentice. This competition, based on the BBC TV show ‘The Apprentice’, sees 40 eager contestants completing a series of challenges fighting for the chance to win the £500 cash prize and a work placement at Oxford Catalysts.

The competition is open to 16-19 year olds and aims to enthuse young people in science enterprise, and develop individual’s skills and confidence.
The competition begins with a challenge day, where all contestants have the opportunity to meet local science and technology companies and entrepreneurs, who will share their knowledge on enterprising skills, writing a business plan and presenting a pitch.

Contestants will complete a group challenge from which the 40 contestants will be reduced to 12 for the next level of the competition. At this stage all competitors will be able to apply for a Bronze CREST award from the British Science Association.
The 12 semi-finalists will have five weeks to research a green power source, carry out some market research, and design a system to power a building.

On 20 March they will present their findings on posters to visitors of Oxford Brookes University Science Bazaar. These semi-finalists will qualify to apply for the Oxford Brookes University Scholarship Scheme, which would provide £1000 a year towards higher education at Oxford Brookes University. Only six contestants will be asked to continue the competition.

The final leg of the competition requires all the skills gained throughout the challenges, as contestants pitch to guests at the launch of the Life Lab website – a careers resource for secondary pupils.

The winner of the competition will receive £500 and a placement at Oxford Catalysts, while second and third place will receive £100.

For more information and registration, visit www.scienceoxfordnext.com/for-students/so-apprentice.