An Apprentice: Who Would You Hire?

Apprenticeships are an increasingly popular option for young people who want to learn a new skill or trade while at the same time being paid for their work. At the same time, a good apprentice could be worth their weight in gold to your business.
Somebody who is eager to learn and work hard while fitting in well with your staff, suppliers and customers could give you a handsome return on your investment as well as providing you with the satisfaction of giving somebody a helping hand onto the employment ladder. Of course, an apprentice is not the finished product and you have to invest time and money in nurturing their raw talent so that they become fully-signed up members of your team.
The search for a capable apprentice can be challenging but ultimately rewarding as Sir Alan Sugar – recently voted by Tradespacers as their most inspiring business figure – discovers every year on his popular TV show.
Every year, the programme generates long-running debates about whether Sir Alan made the right choice and what businesses should really be looking for when they appoint trainees and new recruits.
So, if you could appoint a celebrity as an apprentice who would it be? Would you plump for the precocious talent of 15-year-old Olympic diver Tom Daley or the drive, composure and risk-taking of Formula One star Lewis Hamilton, 24?
You might feel that the down-to-earth characters of Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Cole, 26, and champion swimmer Rebecca Adlington, 19, would best benefit your business. Or perhaps the determination and focus of Wimbledon ace Andy Murray, 22, would give you a boost.
Then again, the creativity and humour of Lily Allen, 24, the virtuosity of music producer Mark Ronson, 33, or Harry Potter star Emma Watson, 19, or will to succeed of supermodel Lily Cole, 21, might be more to your liking.
Whatever your thoughts, please take a moment to answer the question in our latest Have Your Say poll: