Last night saw the beginning of The Irish Apprentice on TV3 and I think most of the country was probably tuned in to see if Bill Cullen could match Sir Alan Sugar and if the candidates really were the cream of the crop!
I tuned in myself and before I offer an opinion I should admit that I have never really watched The Apprentice in full before - I know its hugely popular and a much loved and intriguing show but I just never found myself watching it - although I did watch some of last season because everyone in work talked about it so much I almost felt left out when I didnt watch it!
Anyhow I digress, I liked the first show, I kindof guessed David would be first to go, I dont think he showed much "get up and go" and I thought Bill Cullen was great - he's a tough cookie and certainly wont be taking any cr*p from any of the candidates - it will be an interesting one to keep an eye on and I wish all the candidates every success (and remind them all to remember even if they are fired, there's always a better job on RecruitIreland.com). I'm sure every episode will be dissected for the next however many weeks and look forward to seeing how their drive and determination is tested by Mr Cullen!!
Here's the line up (according to the TV3 website) - no doubt there will be many more blog posts (such as Krishna De's) and discussions about the candidates over the next few months.
Stuart Butler, Age: 31, Career: Business Development Manager
Qualifications: Certificate in Sales & Marketing
Sarah Cowley, Age: 32, Career: Advertising Sales Manager
Qualifications: Diploma in Advertising
Avril Daly, Age: 24, Career: Recruitment Consultant
Qualifications: Graduate Diploma in Advertising, PR & Marketing - Fired
Shane Davey, Age: 29, Career: National Account Manager
Qualifications: Masters in Management Consultancy
Orla McAdam, Age: 24, Career: Medical Sales Representative
Qualifications: Certificate in Auctioneer, Valuations and Estate Agency - Fired
Joanna Murphy, Age: 33, Career: Sales Director of a supply company
Qualifications: Degree in Business Studies - Fired for cheating - Bill would have had a bargain for 100k according to Joanna
David Neary, Age: 25, Career: Assistant Brand Manager
Qualifications: Masters of business studies in marketing - Fired
Bill: "The man who doesnt make mistakes will never make anything, they made mistakes, you didn't, you stayed in the high grass - You're Fired!!"
Nicky O’Callaghan, Age: 26,Career: Auctioneer
Qualifications: Certificate in PR
Paddy O’Dea, Age: 26, Career: Senior Sales Executive
Qualifications: Diploma in I.T. - Fired
Mark O’Rourke, Age: 26, Career: Company Director
Qualifications: Leaving Certificate - FIRED
Orla Power, Age: 34, Career: Head of Marketing for software company
Qualifications: Diploma in Marketing, Advertising, PR & Sales Management
Derek Ramsey, Age: 26, Career: Regional Sales Manager
Qualifications: Diploma in Business and Commerce - Fired
Brenda Shanahan, Age: 32, Career: Bridal Shop Owner
Qualifications: Leaving Certificate
Ronan Whitty, Age: 27, Career: Yield Analyst
Qualifications: MBS in Strategic Management & Planning, Higher Diploma in Entrepreneurial Studies, B.A. Economics & Information Studies - Fired
"It's your third time in front of me, You're Fired"
What did you think of the first episode? - feel free to comment below!!