Two sixth-form students have been announced as winners of the fourth Appleby Academy, run by Appleby in partnership with Junior Achievement Isle of Man.

For 2015, the Appleby Academy expanded to offer placements to two students – one with leading law firm Appleby, and the recently bought out Appleby Fiduciary Business (AFB). Rhian O’Leary from Queen Elizabeth II High School and Charles Farrell from Castle Rushen High School were declared the winners at the Academy final on 4 December 2015, having each presented a potential marketing solution to a judging panel, focusing on attracting and maintaining key clients.

Fellow finalists were Katherine Sharman from Ballakermeen High School, Lucy Wall from Ramsey Grammar School, and Edward Hedley from St. Ninian's High School. Each finalist delivered a five-minute presentation on a solution to a particular business challenge before taking questions from judges, including Minister Laurence Skelly, Department of Economic Development, James Collier, Relationship Manager at Barclays, Sean Dowling, Group Director at AFB, and Faye Moffett, Managing Partner at Appleby.

Faye said: ‘The judges had a difficult time choosing our winners this year; all five finalists delivered presentations of exceptional quality and the amount of effort and hard work that they put in was evident. I would like to congratulate all of the students that took part, and we look forward to having Charles join us at Appleby this summer.’

Sean added: ‘It is hugely challenging to present an idea to a room full of people, but the students were clearly unfazed which made choosing the winners an exceptionally tough task. Congratulations to all of this year’s finalists, and we look forward to welcoming Rhian to AFB on her summer placement.’

Sue Cook, Chief Executive at Junior Achievement Isle of Man, said: ‘It is extremely important for students to combine work experience with their studies, to better their chances of securing employment once they leave education. The Appleby Academy aims to give sixth form students in the Isle of Man real life experience of working with an international organisation, and participating in the programme gives students the opportunity to develop skills that are highly valued by employers.

‘Junior Achievement is extremely grateful for the continued support of Appleby and their staff, which is crucial to the Appleby Academy’s growth and success year on year.’