I am Bright Purple – I was given the chance and I took it

(Sarah Dougal – Apprentice, Bright Futures Programme)

It may now be the end of the apprentice programme, but for me I feel it is only the beginning. Nick Price – CEO of Bright Purple took a massive chance on the 9^th of January 2012, because that was the day he allowed six new employees into his Bright Purple company.

We weren’t just any new employees, we were six 17-19 year olds, with no real work experience, drive or confidence to succeed and perhaps at the beginning, the firm may have felt they had made the wrong decision or had bitten off more than they could chew. But I’m sure to their delight what a chance it was to prove their point and even if I do say so, it most definitely paid off for us all. The six ‘kids’ have transformed into success hungry, determined, confident business people and we owe it all to Bright Purple.

In the economic climate which Scotland is facing at moment the youth of today is struggling and the figures of youth unemployment are terrifyingly going through the roof and therefore facing being young, unemployed and feeling like you are stuck with no way out or anyway forward, can really scar a young person. It can knock their confidence like you wouldn’t believe and it can leave them feeling that being unemployed is all they can achieve in life. All we need is a break. We need people to trust us and give us our chance in life. We need experience to help get us on the career ladder…we need apprenticeships! If there were more apprenticeships like Bright Purple’s then I genuinely feel we would begin to see a difference in the youth unemployment rates. If people in business like Nick gave more youngsters the chance to show what we’re made of, perhaps the older generation would begin to see we really aren’t all thugs, violent and lazy.

Not only did Nick take a chance on me, but I also took a chance on Bright Purple. I was 17, at school, lacked self-belief and wasn’t sure what to do. I knew I wanted to start my career and I knew I wanted to start making my own money and yes I could see what I wanted, but lacked the ingredients to help me get there. I took a massive leap of faith to leave school, but was guided by DGM and was then given a boost by Bright Purple onto the career ladder and therefore I can thankfully say it was the best decision I have ever made.

We have been given mind blowing opportunities over the six months which I can easily say not many, if any people our age will have experienced. We have been given the chance to go and listen to inspirational people speak, such as Nobel Peace Prize winner Professor Muhammad Yunus, who was unbelievably inspirational and most definitely left a long lasting impression on me.

We have been given the chance to present in front of inspirational entrepreneurs such as, Craig Paterson, Hera Hussain, Andrew Muirhead, Jennifer Cheyne, Carol Scrambler, Neil Francis and many more. Once again what 17-19 year olds can say they have presented in front of millionaires and amazing entrepreneurs?

I was also given the opportunity to attend a Youth Employment Convention at Dundee College which was something I most definitely benefited from, as it is a topic I feel extremely strongly about. Then my CEO Nick Price asked me to attend a Holyrood Apprenticeship event, but to my surprise I was then chosen to present at it! An unbelievably nerve racking experience where I presented to over 100 politicians and key speakers, but once I got up onto the stage  and conveyed my opinions about youth unemployment and how I feel apprenticeships are the way forward to solve the problem, I absolutely loved it! It was the turning point for me in the programme and it was the point where I realised just how far I had come and how much I had changed. It was the point where I realised that if I could do that, I could do anything I wanted to.

The opportunities don’t stop there as most recently my fellow apprentice Lewis and I were given the chance to speak on the radio station, Castle FM…yes me on the radio!! We were chosen to speak on Castle FM about our experiences as apprentices at Bright Purple, which I absolutely loved and was another hurdle which I can gladly say I leaped over with huge energy and positivity.

I have so many people to thank for this incredible opportunity. Firstly of course my CEO Nick Price and without Nick’s passion and stubborn desire to look at the potential of Scotland’s youth, I wouldn’t be here today and I most certainly would not be the new and improved Sarah! He has provided endless support and has never stopped believing in the apprentices, something every youngster needs. He is a completely inspirational person, a man who’s passion and determination is contagious. I cannot wait to continue working with him during my time at Bright Purple, but most importantly I can’t wait to continue learning more and more from him. Thank you Nick for this once in a life time opportunity I have not only been given, but earned.

Marielle Tweedie, Head of the Bright Futures Programme! ‘Superstar’ wouldn’t be generous enough words to describe her and Marielle along with Nick, took a chance on us and took huge pieces of time out of her resourcing role to help us on our journey of success and transformation. Marielle has stuck by us every inch of the way, filling us with knowledge and support. I know for a fact if it wasn’t for Marielle the six of us would have struggled, so I for one will be forever thankful.

And then there’s Alex Pullen, my mentor and if it wasn’t for Alex I know for sure my time at Bright so far would not have been as smooth as it has been. She is always there to reassure me and would do anything to make sure she helps me as much as she can. At Bright Purple Alex has been the person I can go to if I’m worried or stuck, but thankfully with Alex there are no negatives, only positives and so I never have a problem for long. Alex is incredible and I most definitely picked the lucky straw when I got her as my personal mentor. There are no words to describe how grateful I am. Thank you Alex!

And finally, last but not least my fellow apprentices.

I’m sure we will all agree that at the beginning we perhaps didn’t get off to the best of starts, putting six youngsters all around the same age together all at once? Of course clashes had to occur, as it was just like a big brother situation where we had all been put together with personalities like chalk and cheese, different opinions and different ways of doing things and we are all young, so of course we all thought our way was the best way. But I’m glad to say it didn’t last long and we settled our differences, came together and became stronger than ever. We began to complement each other and we became unbelievably supportive of one another.

To ‘the famous six’, I wish all of you all the luck in the world although I know you won’t need it as I know each and every one of you WILL successful in whatever you choose to do. Thank you all for being amazing Bright Purple Apprentices!!!

Although I have mentioned a few specific people, I should mention everyone at Bright Purple as they have all played a part in helping me on my journey at Bright Purple. I will now go on to be a resourcer in our permanent recruiting team and it’s my second day in the team, interviews are already coming my way, definitely time for me to experience some more Bright Purple success!

Six months ago I was a young, shy, inexperienced woman – look at me now, I am a Bright Purple Person.

 The best way to predict the future is to create it.

The Hampden ROAR!!!!

(Deonne Budge & Lewis O’Connor  – Apprentices, Bright Futures Programme)

Deonne, along with Lewis and Marielle traded their daily business uniforms for some fine Football Aid tracksuits, as we were given the once in a life time opportunity to help out with an event at Hampden Park, the home of Scotland’s International Football team in Glasgow. The chance to visit such a prestigious stadium and be a part of the great event, which was only made possible after the Bright Futures Apprentices were given the chance to meet with Craig Paterson, the CEO of Football Aid.

Football Aid has been inspiring people since 2001, allowing fans to buy a jersey and play on the field of their dreams, with the money going to many fantastic causes since that first day. The football games have taken place in the UK Club, European and at the home of some of the National teams – it truly is unique and definitely inspirational. All thanks to Craig Paterson, a Scottish businessman with a big heart and a dream to help those less fortunate.

Craig Paterson’s kindness and generosity offered Marielle and Deonne a chance to visit the ground and help out with such a fantastic occasion, but even more it allowed Lewis the opportunity to for fill one of his boyhood dreams. To run down the Hampden tunnel out on to the pitch which was in tip top condition, imagining the 52,000 strong roar as he entered the arena.

We have had more than our fair share of standing in long queues waiting to catch a glimpse of Hampden pitch, but on the 28^th of May we were all given a back stage pass to go behind the scene and explore the stadium with our own eyes. Firstly we separated and visited both the home and away dressing rooms, where we set out and prepared the kit for all the players. Insuring all the necessary preparation was achieved well before the player’s arrival. We then continued to help and support the Football Aid staff with arranging the Millennium Suite. This offered a breath taking view and would provide a great area for family members to enjoy the success of the occasion later.

The event was kicked off with 15 pipers marching down the tunnel on to the pitch to the tune of the Scottish National Anthem. It made hairs on your neck stand up and we could only imagine how the players must have felt. There was a further touch of class added to the event by the appearance of footballing legends and ex-Scotland Internationals, in the shape of John Collins and Pat Nevin. The match was filled with goals, funny moments and penalty saves.

The Football Aid event was yet again a huge success, all involved enjoyed the night. We greatly appreciated the chance to help out the fantastic Football Aid team, with their precise preparation and would be more than happy to attend another event.

We can’t thank Craig Paterson, David Dale and the rest of their team for all their support and help. We truly believe what they are doing is fantastic and offers something completely unique and life changing. They don’t just inspire ordinary people by letting them buy a jersey to play in a team of their dreams, but they have also just recently taken on two students Eilidh and Rory for an internship, what an opportunity!

Nick Price, Bright Purple’s CEO commented, “I have had the pleasure and honour of knowing Craig for a number of years. He is one of the business world’s nice guys, always there for others who value his input or direction and has given much to his dream, Football Aid. The organisation is making a huge difference and helping to change lives of those who need help most and Bright Purple were proud to have been able to share some of their apprentices and allow them to experience this great day. I have been fortunate to have lived the dream through FootballAid playing at twice for a Celtic home side at Celtic Park and also in 2010 at Goodison Park, the home of Everton playing for the home side against a Liverpool side and I know those memories live long with me. OK I could have been fitter, but I loved every minute of it and I have lived the dream.”

Football Aid website: http://www.footballaid.com/

Apprenticeships through our eyes

(Deonne Budge & Lewis O’Connor  – Apprentices, Bright Futures Programme)

This week has been a time of reflection and a sense of great accomplishment. Due to it being National apprentice week, we as apprentices have been on the lookout reading about some other apprentice schemes that are currently running. We have come across many apprenticeships, but very few which offer the same level of support and exposure to the working world. We feel there should be a lot more programmes running in the same manner as the one we are currently involved in.

We have had the privilege of meeting some extremely well recognised, exceptional people such as Jennifer Cheyne (Founder of Cheynes Hairdressers), Margaret Hassall (International CIO Corporate Commercial and Investment Banking at Bank of America), Chris Van Der Kuyl (Founder of Bright Solid) and Craig Paterson (Founder of Football Aid). All of these inspiring people took the time to come along and meet us.

As part of the programme we are working towards achieving an SVQ (Scottish Vocational Qualification) in Business Administration. The placement programme includes a range of challenging UK and International based projects that are all aimed at giving me access to new skills and developing my knowledge of the business world.

Deonne read with interest the recent news that a major summit is to be staged by the Holyrood finance committee and that Arnold Clark has submitted a report in advance setting out the company’s concerns in relation to apprentices.

Deonne left school when she was 15 years old and worked hard to secure a full time job working in a hairdresser. She was only paid £2 per hour and worked 40 hours or more a week. When Deonne was 17 she had to move out of home and worked 3 jobs to pay her rent. Deonne was working 18 hour days; in a hairdresser, sandwich shop and handing out flyers just to get by. When she first started at Bright Purple she felt she was definitely one of the more challenging individuals. Deonne has always been a confident, chatty and outgoing person but had no awareness of how to be professional or how to conduct herself in a business environment. Being at Bright Purple Deonne has been able to attend communication, networking and business skills workshops and in just 4 months she has turned into a young professional businesswoman.

There is six taking part in the apprenticeship programme at Bright Purple.  Our colleague Sarah Dougal was 17 when she started the programme and had no work experience. She came directly from school into the apprenticeship programme. Sarah went from 18 hours in the classroom each week to 37.5 hours a week at work. Sarah also works late most nights as she is extremely dedicated to the programme and has a passion to succeed.

Lewis previously took part in an apprenticeship where he worked in a property letting agency as a junior accountant. It was his first taste of working in a professional environment and due to the lack of Lewis’ experience he found it difficult to adapt and succeed during his time there. He felt extremely isolated and was offered no real support. Lewis found himself away from his desk the majority of the time and on several occasions, down in the basement suited and booted moving around broken down desks and chairs. He left his post feeling hugely undervalued and with no confidence. This is yet another example of organisations who are taking advantage of the young people in Scotland and also just ticking off boxes on their own agenda.

The Bright Futures Programme has been a great success to all involved. All the apprentice’s professionalism in a business environment has been completely turned around. We have not only found employment that we truly enjoy and skills and experience that we couldn’t have gained anywhere else. We will carry them throughout our successful careers.

We believe Bright Purple is leading the way in producing an exceptional apprenticeship programme that will continue to help young people flourish in the business world. We as apprentices with both good and bad experience in the working world think that many more organizations should be looking at Bright Purple as a perfect example to what apprenticeships should consist of.

Are you Bright Purple? I know I am!

(Sarah Dougal – Apprentice, Bright Futures Programme)

Today myself and my fellow apprentices each had to give a presentation to Marielle, Neil and Derek, which we had exactly a week to prepare for, justifying why we are Bright Purple. Easy? Far from it – especially when you have to present why you are Bright Purple to some of the best Bright Purple people in the business! The pressure was most definitely on. When you consider that Derek Gibb is Head of Permanent Recruitment, Marielle Tweedie a fantastic Resourcer and Head of our Bright Futures Programme and Neil Lafferty Group Sales Director of Bright Purple, it’s fair to say they are three very inspirational people who make a difference to Bright Purple each and every day.

Before I walked into the academy to present to these three amazing professionals I was feeling extremely anxious. I am confident I am a Bright Purple Person and I know Bright Purple is the place I want to be, but would the three Bright Purple experts agree? This question was constantly playing through my mind on a loop as I desperately wanted to impress and make them believe what I believe.

During my presentation I covered many things which I feel make me Bright Purple, what I have learnt during my time here at Bright Purple, how I can and already have made a difference here and my some of my goals for the future.

I explained that I feel that I am a Bright Purple Person because I am extremely hardworking and determined, I continuously give 110% with everything I do, I always try my best and am passionate about everything I do – second best to me, isn’t good enough. I also went on to explain how I always stay late and come into work early to make sure each task gets completed and that I’m ready for the next! I described how I understand Bright Purple is not a 9-5 job so have come in early, stayed late and prepared work at weekends. I think I am an extremely good listener and have been able to sit and take in a lot of information, highlighting key points in my head to then allow myself to ask a lot of relevant questions, which then links to me being switched on.

I then went on to present what I have learnt at Bright Purple so far which included, brand new communication skills, that confidence is key, it’s important to turn ideas into actions and how I have and hope to continue learning about Social Media. I went on to try and keep their attention by highlighting the fact that on the apprentice recruitment day I put forward the idea of adding six ladders to the academy logo, which then got approved and is presently being used! Therefore my question is; if I can make a difference before day one, can you imagine what I can do after six months?

Finally I revealed my goals for the future which are; be a Bright Purple Person, work my way up the company and become extremely successful. I feel Bright Purple is the place I can reach my potential and I want to consistently be at the top of my game. Although I don’t have my whole life planned out yet I do know one thing; I want to be the best at what I do. I want to own my own business and to be successful like Nick Price and if it wasn’t for Bright Purple I wouldn’t have known that I wanted to or was able to achieve this goal. I have every single person at Bright Purple and each speaker such as Craig Patterson, Jennifer Cheyne, Andrew Muirhead and Margaret Hassal to thank for making me realise there’s no limit to what I can do.

My confidence grows weekly – how far can I go?

(Deonne Budge – Apprentice, Bright Futures Programme)

Tuesday 21^st February and I had an excellent opportunity to meet a most inspiring person in Craig Paterson, Founder and Chairman of FootballAid. We presented to Craig and it seems to get more natural every time I stand up there to talk. It is great to see how much we have all come along in the past 8 weeks at Bright Purple, Bright Futures Programme. The confidence has grown not just in me but everyone taking part in the programme.

Craig Paterson’s journey inspired me. He has achieved huge success in business and managed to get so far, at such a young age, just like the man himself Nick Price.

I have learned so much just from listening and speaking with Craig. He started as a trainee in a variety of jobs pasting bill boards, lorry driving, disk jockeying and delivering toilet seats to owning, running and eventually selling his own business, Melville Craig.

I have come away from meeting Craig feeling more inspired than before. Each day at Bright Purple is always a challenge and while you never know what is round the corner, I am more and more driven to do well in life.

Having the opportunity to meet Craig and other senior business people in the weeks ahead and being invited by my CEO to join the other apprentices to meet the great Professor Yunus, “Banker to the Poor” very soon in Edinburgh, is not something that everyone will ever say they can and have achieved. For myself I don’t think many people at the age of 17 have had to opportunity to present and ask questions to as many senior people from the business world and get a picture to remind you of these great experiences.

Craig has also given us the chance to email him with any questions, which for me is a great opportunity. One of the questions we asked Craig is if we could come along and help him with events. This is also an excellent chance to see exactly what he does and how hard he works at running and making sure FootballAid is consistently performing.

Football, Recruitment and Inspiration

(Tom Wilson – Apprentice, Bright Futures Programme)

Tuesday 21^st February was an absolutely fantastic experience for me and the other apprentices. We had the chance to meet a friend of our CEO and Edinburgh based business man, Craig Paterson. I can say that he is a brilliant and inspiring man.

To kick things off today we started by giving a presentation to the man himself. The apprentices and I have been working extremely hard to make a presentation that is very different from the lunch and learn session which was more of a fun and personal speech about our family, friends etc. This presentation was more of a business presentation which involved what we are doing at Bright Purple, what we have learnt and our goals in the short and long term. I felt very honoured that a man of Craig’s stature actually had the time to listen to what I want to achieve in my life and I am very determined to follow through on my goals after our session with him.

After our presentations it was time for Craig to discuss what happened in his life and all his different experiences. To hear that he literally came from nothing and earned his success through hard work was very interesting to hear, it makes me excited to work even harder and have the sort of influence on other people as Craig had on me.

He started off his working life in jobs that didn’t really look like taking him far career wise, but when he met his wife to be he said that’s when he started to mature and got a job in a Recruitment Agency. Craig progressed through the company to become a Consultant, then Manager and then he was given the opportunity to become a Director in the new Edinburgh base. Craig’s progress then kept getting better and better, but he felt that he could run a business on his own! So after discussions with his wife he started his own business in recruitment, while risking his flat deeds to fund it! Needless to say it all worked out and his company Melville Craig were a massive success. With hard work he found out how he was going to pitch ideas, sell and expand his company which they became a massive hit and he went on to sell the company to an American business.

When his son was diagnosed with diabetes Craig came up with idea of FootballAid.

Craig’s charity gives people the chance to play football in the stadium and on the pitch of the team they support which has given the chance for people to live their childhood dream. Craig had a contact at Celtic and he got the chance of kick starting FootballAid at Celtic Park. How FootballAid worked is that if anyone were interested in playing in a game in a particular stadium you have to bid on the website for a place, sort of like ebay in a way and all money goes to charity which 50% of the money earned to a diabetes charity and the other 50% was donated to a charity of the clubs choice. He pitched his idea to top clubs all over Britain and even to the English FA, which is such a fantastic opportunity and benefited many charities.

Hearing how Craig met such inspirational figures in the footballing world such as Sir Alex Ferguson, was absolutely mind blowing and I felt so honoured to be in the same room as him. I think the main thing I took out of Craig’s session is if you have something that you want to achieve and are willing to work hard enough and maybe take a risk or two you can achieve anything you want. I think all the apprentices would love to help out with football aid, we asked Craig if this would be ok and he said yes we just need to get in contact with him. Personally I would love to help out with the charity in my spare time, because it is for such a fantastic cause and seeing as many stadiums as I can has always been a little dream of mine. If Craig read’s this, I would like to thank you for taking the time out to see us.