The Apprentice Meets Dragons Den - 17/01/11

A group of students from Canterbury College have experienced what it could be like to carry out an Apprentice style task and then face the Dragons Den.

More than 60 Level 3 Business and Fashion Marketing students took part in a day-long event where they were tasked to design a product for 18-30 year-olds that can be used to hold all the devices and accessories we carry with us on a daily basis.

After being split into groups, they designed and made prototypes of their product, came up with a brand name, logo and slogan and devised a pricing strategy.

The students chose three final ideas to be presented to a Dragons Den style panel made up of a Director, Managers and PR College staff as well as an independent Business Undergraduate from University of Kent. There was an electric atmosphere, and after some exciting presentations and tough questioning the panel chose their winner – the team who designed a bag for runners that’s worn around the neck and included a hideaway hood.

Students said they learned a lot from the day:

“It was an overwhelming experience as all the students seemed focussed and interested by the task…everyone learned how to start up their own business and how to forecast the direction of their business.” Johan

“It was great fun and let us put our theory from class into practice, use our skills in presenting on a much larger scale in front of a wide audience…overall it was a brilliant day.” Oliver

“It helped me gather confidence when talking in front of a big audience, it also made me realise that anything has a chance of being successful…I would like to thank the Aim Higher team.” Matt

The event was designed to encourage vocational students to progress into Higher Education and relate their course to the business world. It was run by Aimhigher Kent and Medway and supported by the University of Kent.

For more details email Nicola Everett or call 01227 811347.