Junior Apprentice: New BBC ONE Series Announced.

LONDON, Monday, 3rd May 2010: Ten teenage contenders will compete for boardroom supremacy in Junior Apprentice when BBC ONE’s multi award-winning show hits our screens on Wednesday 12th May for a special 6 x 60 minute run.

Multi-millionaire and self made businessman, Lord Sugar left school at 16 with no money in his pocket and no qualifications but, against the odds, he battled his way to the top of his game.

Passionate about business and motivating young people to embrace their inner entrepreneur, Lord Sugar has decided to give 10 of the UK’s most ambitious and driven teenagers the opportunity of a lifetime to compete for the title of Junior Apprentice.

The 10 candidates, aged 16-17 years old, all believe that they have the same potential, determination and raw business talent to take on the challenge and bid to win access to a fund worth up to the value of £25,000. The fund will go towards kick-starting his or her business career, and will be tailored to their individual career prospects and development. Each of the young candidates has been selected for their entrepreneurial flair, interest and passion for business – Lord Sugar has spotted potential in all of them, but only one can succeed in becoming the first Junior Apprentice.

For the first time, Nick Hewer will be joined by top businesswoman and Vice Chairman of West Ham, Karren Brady, to keep a close eye on the young candidates throughout the process. Karren knows the scrutiny the candidates will be under having taken part – and subsequently won – Comic Relief Does The Apprentice in 2007.

The aspiring tycoons will face the biggest business challenge of their lives to date as they embark on a series of tough tasks which will push their skills to the limit. Before they begin with their first task of selling cheese to passing trade and businesses, the candidates check out their luxurious new home, armed with the knowledge that they may not get to enjoy it for too long.

Starting with the five boys against the five girls, they all know that the pressure is on and only one thing counts – profit. At the end of their first day, one team will win and the other will end up facing Lord Sugar in the boardroom.

Who will be the first to hear the infamous words “You’re Fired”?