Written by Community Correspondent Robert Tidball

Stars of television’s The Apprentice came to Croydon last week, to tell the business leaders of tomorrow how not to get fired.

Reality show contestants Raef Bjayou, Claire Young and Howard Ebison addressed more than 200 students taking part in the Young Enterprise scheme in Croydon this year.

Hosting the annual competition’s launch night at the Fairfield Halls, the trio offered the budding entrepreneurs strategies for success, while past Achievers also gave practical advice on how to win the contest.

“The talks were really inspirational, I enjoyed them a lot,” said one Croydon High girl.

The students, from a mix of both private and independent schools, were divided into 12 groups who will form companies with the guidance of mentors from companies such as BT, Nestle and Jury’s Inn.

As the teams got to know each other a little better, Young Enterprise Officers explained how the competition would develop over the next nine months.

The teams form companies that must generate an idea for a good or service and then deliver it alongside an effective marketing strategy. The students are given shares in companies to provide money for market research and buying supplies.

Lucky members of the successful teams will keep any profit that they make, whilst any losses sustained will be covered by Young Enterprise when the companies cease trading on July 31, 2010.

Before then, the companies will take part in a number of Trade Fairs and be observed along the way, hoping to win awards including: Best Presentation, Best Innovation and Best Trade Stand. These awards will increase the likelihood of the team being presented as the Best Overall Company.

“I can’t wait to get started. I’m looking forward to working as a company and selling our own product,” said a boy from Trinity School in Croydon.

The Young Enterprise Scheme is a tremendous opportunity for young people to get practical training in how to conduct business in the real world, as well as developing team-working and communication skills which will prove invaluable in an increasingly competitive jobs market.