Shanne Gutierrez has been announced as the winner of the Appleby Academy 2019/20, earning a 10 week paid summer placement with the offshore law firm. Finnola Martin from Castle Rushen High School was announced as the runner up. The Appleby Academy, launched in 2012, is run in partnership with Junior Achievement Isle of Man.
Each year Appleby invites Year 13 students to take part in the 12-week programme, where they work alongside a mentor from Appleby’s Isle of Man office to produce a report based on a real-life business scenario. The top four students then present their ideas to a panel of judges, for the chance to win a summer placement at the firm.
The judges heard a range of informative and creative presentations at the final, which was held on Friday 6 December 2019 at Appleby’s office on Athol Street. Sarah Quayle from Ramsey Grammar School outlined her business solution to Human Resources, whilst Finnola Martin and Amy Sellors from Castle Rushen High School and Shanne Gutierrez from Ballakermeen High School all focused on Corporate Social Responsibility.
After lengthy deliberations from the judging panel, consisting of Daphne Cain MHK, Lorna Trevethan of PDMS and Appleby Corporate Partners Claire Milne WS and Garry Manley, Shanne Gutierrez was announced as the winner.
Garry Manley commented: “The standard of presentations from this year’s students was incredibly high, and all four finalists had clearly put a tremendous amount of effort into their reports. They should be very proud of their work; it was really hard to pick a winner. I would like to congratulate Shanne on being crowned the winner of the 2019/20 programme. Her presentation was exceptional, and we look forward to welcoming her back in the summer.”
Shanne Gutierrez, winner of the 2019/20 Appleby Academy, said: “The Appleby Academy has been a fantastic experience, helping me gain confidence in presenting and increasing my business knowledge. I am looking forward to my placement in the summer, where I can learn more about how a business operates.”
Sue Cook, Chief Executive of Junior Achievement Isle of Man, added: “The Appleby Academy provides an amazing opportunity to work in a paid placement over the summer period. The experience Shanne will gain whilst working for this international organisation will prove invaluable when she leaves education and seeks employment. I would like to thank Appleby for all their hard work and the support they have given to the students participating in this process.”
