Bristol businesses judge top talent

City of Bristol College students have wowed judges from the local business community, in a competition similar to the BBC’s Dragon’s Den programme.

Around 500 students on BTEC Business and BTEC Leisure and Tourism and Art and Design programs took part in ‘The Plunge’ competition. They worked in teams to come up with their own idea for a new business.

The three-day event culminated in a session in front of judges from more than 80 local businesses, where they had to convince the experts why their group’s idea was the best.

Among the participants was Rafael Hayes, a BTEC First Diploma Art and Design student, whose team created ‘The Real Shock’, an idea to produce and market an alarm clock that emits a mild shock.

“I have a lot of respect for people who are out there making a living in business. I have seen how difficult this is and it has prepared me a little more for working life.”

Other ideas included ‘MDIY’, a new open-mic festival for Bristol, and ‘TruColourz’, a glass that would change colour when the drink it contains has been spiked.

One of the judges, Lynne Baber, Audit and Assurance Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, said:

“This was an amazing chance to share some of my experience and knowledge with the business leaders of tomorrow. It was inspiring to work with such innovative, creative and confident individuals.”

Nick McCloud, founder of Descartes, described the experience as “a jumpstart download of enthusiasm for us experts as much as for the students.”

“The competition gave students a real insight into the world of work, which perfectly complements the skills they are developing on their vocational courses.” said Ajay Sarda, Head of Vocational Studies at City of Bristol College’s Sixth Form Academy.

To find out more about the Ride the Wave programme click here