smallbusiness.co.uk: Helping your business think big

Short-term finance

Rory Earley, CEO of Capital for Enterprise, explores the options...
Have your say »

RSS

Gates beats Cowell as top boss for apprentices

Feb 11 2011

Gates is the most favoured boss for apprentices. Photo: Severin Nowacki

Microsoft founder Bill Gates is the top fantasy boss for UK apprentices, a survey finds.

According to a poll of 1,100 respondents by Pearson Professional and Vocational Training, a total of 33 per cent would choose to work for Gates. Of the 106 respondents aged between 16 and 18, some 43 per cent chose the Microsoft maestro.

The next most popular choices were Jamie Oliver (21 per cent; 22 per cent) and Simon Cowell (13 per cent; 17 per cent).

Fiona McBride, CEO of Pearson Professional and Vocational Training says, ‘This light-hearted study reveals the serious intent of many young people as they struggle to get a toehold in the jobs market.

‘Rather than dreaming of the bright lights of TV, it seems that they recognise the value of learning the practical skills that will equip them for a long-term career with prospects.’

Comments

There are currently no comments on this article

Mentoring – Now there’s a bright idea for business

Whether you're starting up, taking your business to the next level or just need a sounding board, Lloyds TSB understands that a business mentor can offer you the support and guidance you need to develop your business. Find out more today.

Compare business insurance quotes

Tailor your policy, compare quotes and buyin minutes! Up to 50% No Claims Discount. Public and Employer's liability, Professional Indemnity, Business premises (also for home based workers) and more! Compare quotes now or call 0845-0723340 today.

Compare Insurance quotes for Employers Liability

Employers’ Liability insurance covers you and your business against claims from employees injured at work or taken ill as a result of working for you. Compare Insurance quotes for Employers Liability to ensure your business can cover claims without compromising its financial stability.

Polls

Latest News

Apprentices are making the most of their opportunity

Apprenticeships proving effective for SMEs

Britain’s apprentices are getting promoted, improving their confidence and taking on more responsibility in the workplace, according to a report.

Calls to address sickness absence

The government is being urged to reinvigorate its efforts to tackle sickness absence.

Jobs outlook promising for SMEs

The short-term jobs outlook has ‘turned positive’ for the first time in more than a year, research finds.

Job vacancies rise

The number of new job opportunities in April has increased year-on-year.

Promising job creation for SMEs

The UK labour market saw job vacancies increase by 9 per cent in the first quarter of 2012, a study reveals.

Businesses plan recruitment drive

Some 80 per cent of small and medium-sized enterprises are planning to hire over the coming six months, research finds.

Youth Contract scheme launched

A £1 billion initiative that aims to tackle youth unemployment has been launched by the government.

Good weather blamed for sickies

The number of employees who called in sick today is treble the count for the whole of last week, research finds.

SMEs bullish for 2012

UK businesses are feeling confident about increasing revenue and headcount in the year ahead, finds research.

TUC: tribunal fees will harm lowest-paid

Many of the UK's lowest paid workers will be unable to enforce their workplace rights if proposals for employment tribunal fees go ahead, says the Trades Union Commission.

Employees could exploit new HR ruling

Small businesses should prepare for employees looking to claim back annual leave after becoming ill while on holiday, says an employment specialist.

Guides & Tips

Top tips to cope with Christmas

With staff dropping their work rate and the danger of the Christmas party getting out of hand, the festive period can leave small business owners with a major headache. Use this guide to ease the pain.

What I'm reading now: Get The Job You Really Want

Entrepreneur Michael Kraftman reviews James Caan's latest book on finding success in the job market.

Two-thirds of company directors hire more employees for their business this year

The right recruit

SmallBusiness.co.uk talks to company directors about how to minimise the hassle of hiring staff.

Don't Miss

Modern graduates face a highly competitive job market

First-class employees

Attracting the best graduate to your company is easier if you show an understanding of their journey from higher education to workplace.

Seven ways to beat stress

Michael Jackson, chairman of leading technology venture capitalist Elderstreet Investments, gives SmallBusiness.co.uk his tips for dealing with stress.

Making staff cuts doesn't mean you have to give people the axe.

Reducing salary

There are other ways of reducing your staffing budget without having to take the axe to your workforce.

Store

FT Guide to Personal Tax

The FT Guide to Personal Tax is published by Pearson Education. Written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc and John Bloxham, this unique guide gives step-by-step advice to completing your tax return as well as over 230 tax-saving tips.

Growth Company Investor

Growth Company Investor is widely recognised as the leading magazine for investors interested in AIM and smallcap companies. Published 10 times per year, and brought to you by an award-winning analyst team, it offers subscribers unrivalled insight into high-potential smaller companies. Subscribe today with a 50% discount in your first year.

FT Guide to Business Start Up

The FT Guide to Business Start Up 2012, published by Pearson Education, is written by Sara Williams, CEO of Vitesse Media Plc. This unique guide has sold over two million copies. It offers practical advice about starting and running your own business.