IT was back in September that the appeal went out for young people to join the second Next Top Boss challenge, and last week the scheme reached its climax.
In all, 74 young people, aged 16 to 19, completed the course and the Thameside Theatre hosted this year’s awards ceremony
The competition was open to those living, studying or working in Thurrock – and comprised four challenges – Brand Academy, Destination Thurrock, Green Solutions and Down to Business.
Entrants were encouraged to form teams and some were assigned a mentor to guide them through the challenges.
Alongside the challenges the scheme also included a series of experience days with partner and supporting organisations.
Thurrock Council Chief Executive Graham Farrant said: “Over the next ten years 26,000 new jobs will be created within Thurrock in port and logistics, creative and cultural services and the retail sector.
“Next Top Boss is an innovative way of making sure our young people are equipped with the skills and aspirations to grab these jobs. This year’s Next Top Boss graduates are clearly up to the challenge and I wish them well for the future.”
And Danny Crates, gold medal-winning Paralympian, spoke of his personal passion for Thurrock and said: “I’m delighted to be associated with Next Top Boss and to be giving out the special achievement awards.
“Next Top Boss is a testament to the commitment of local business who give up their time to support young people and prepare them for the world of work.”
Winners:
Brand Academy – Best Logo, Footiettes
Brand Academy – Best Overall, Unique
Brand Academy – Best Tagline, Stomp
Destination Thurrock, Stomp
Artistic Merit, Anthonia
Green Solutions, Mergatroyd
Best Idea (Sponsored by RWE Npower), R&D
Down to Business (1st), Unique/Footiettes
Down to Business (2nd), Arriba
Team of the Year – announced at Thurrock Business Awards, Arriba
Outstanding Performance (1st), Vanessa McGrane (Mergatroyd)
Outstanding Performance (2nd), Charlotte Sturges (Stomp)
Leadership, Amy Ellis (Footiettes/Unique)
Creative Genius, Charlotte Sturges (Stomp)
Most Improved, Hot Chefs
Special Achievement Award, Kehinde Oluwadare (Adventurers)
Special Achievement Award, Amy Oxborrow (Hot Chefs)
Special Achievement Award, Sam Pursey (Active Inc)
Special Achievement Award, Adam Wilson (AJN Cash)
Special Achievement Award, Conner Sach (JWC)
The Partners: Canute Group; Communities and Local Government; DP World; Havering College; Lakeside; Lakeside Hammers Speedway; Lloyds TSB; Palmer’s College; Petroplus; Port of Tilbury; Royal Opera House; RWEnpower; South Essex College; Thurrock Council; Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation; University of East London; and Vertex.
Additional support was provided by: Groundwork South Essex; Low Carbon Business Programme; Knowledge Thurrock Innovation Associates; Prince’s Trust.
