In the same way that American business tycoon, Donald Trump sought out his “Apprentice,” telecommunications company Cable & Wireless got their “Top Sales Academy Person” in Tahirah Davis.

Davis was among 18 graduates of the Community College whom Acting Manager of Sales, Garcia Cato explained “exceeded the expectation of the company.”{{more}}

Over a period of three months, Davis sold 379 mobile handsets, 90 X-Net and 13 Net Speak accounts, and copped the top spot, winning herself a cash prize of $5000, a Dell laptop computer and a six month contract with Cable & Wireless to gain further work experience in the workforce.

The 19-year old however admitted that it wasn’t smooth sailing when she started, “Many times I would end up crying and frustrated, but my team and the staff at Cable & Wireless such as Mrs Browne helped me through the moments when I was frustrated. I can’t explain what this experience has done for me but has really helped me be a stronger and more efficient person.”

Elated about her winnings, Davis, who would be studying Psychology at the University of the West Indies in September, aspires to become a psychologist or social worker so that she could help others.

Chief Executive of the telecommunications company, Daryl Jackson praised his staff for coming up with the Top Sales Academy programme and admitted that it was a joy to have the youngsters around.

He said while the youngsters benefited from the job experience, his staff also benefited from the “re-energised” atmosphere of having the youngsters in the work environment.

He expressed hope that next year’s programme would also be as successful and promised that his company would do all in its power to help the youth of this country.

Feature speaker, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education Laura Browne applauded the initiative of Cable & Wireless and wished more companies would follow their lead to introduce youngsters to the workforce. In her speech, she encouraged the young apprentices to value their experience and to continue to be exemplary workers in their career.

The aims of the programme were to give real life experience, provide students with an avenue for development and reward students based on performance and attitude towards work.

Second place in the Top Sales Academy programme went to Phalon Cottle of Vermont.