?Young Apprentice? to return to BBC One this year

MUMBAI: BBC has announced that following the success of the first series, Lord Sugar returns with his search for a Young Apprentice on BBC One this year.

A supporter of young people in business, Lord Sugar will offer 12 of the UK?s most promising and ambitious teenagers the opportunity of a lifetime: a chance to follow in his entrepreneurial footsteps by competing for the title of Young Apprentice.

For eight weeks, 12 young candidates will make the leap from classroom to boardroom and face an education like no other as they embark on a series of tough tasks, pushing their skills to the limit. The young candidates will face the same cut-throat competition as in the adult series ? it?s survival of the fittest as the tasks become more challenging.

From all corners of the UK, each of the aspiring moguls have been selected for their academic flair and burning passion for business ? Lord Sugar has spotted something in all of them, but only one can succeed in becoming the next Young Apprentice.

Aged across 16 and 17 years old, most of these tycoons of tomorrow are still in education and span a broad range of backgrounds from council estates to private schools; they include an award-winning fashion designer, a young farmer, a published author, a filmmaker, a keen horticulturalist, a photographer and a former head-girl.

Lord Sugar started in business at the same age and expects his prospects to be able to do the same. They believe that they have the capability, passion and raw business talent to take on the challenge and be the one to win access to a fund worth ?25,000. The fund will go towards kick-starting his or her business career, and will be tailored to their individual career prospects and development.

All think they have what it takes, but can they prove themselves when the pressure is on?

Lord Sugar warns them: "You are young, don?t try and pretend like you know it all because believe me it?ll be embarrassing."

With tasks including making and selling ice cream, launching a new brand of deodorant and creating an online video game, the candidates will quickly learn that Lord Sugar doesn?t hang about when it comes to separating the wheat from the chaff.

Lord Sugar is, once again, aided by his no-nonsense advisers Nick Hewer and Karren Brady who will scrutinise the candidates? every move during the weekly tasks.

They will live in a luxurious townhouse in St John?s Wood, North London, giving them a taste of the lavish lives they dream of. For some, it?s their first time away from home, but for all it?s the chance to experience what life could be like as a high flyer.

When the winner is crowned, they will be given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be mentored by Britain?s most famous boss.