Pictured above: Richard Price

An economics and geography graduate from Loughborough University has fought off competition from over 100 challengers to secure the position of Birmingham Future's Graduate Apprentice 2010.

Richard Price will become the fifth person to take up the Graduate Apprentice role, winning paid work placements at Deloitte, Brewin Dolphin and Glide Utilities. 

The Graduate Apprentice scheme was set up in 2006 and is run by Birmingham Future's Talent Retention and Development Committee, with support from Graduate Advantage. 

In addition to gaining both work and life experience, Richard will receive a year's complimentary membership to Birmingham Future alongside support and mentoring through Graduate Advantage. 

Richard said: "I am thrilled to have been appointed this year's Graduate Apprentice and fully intend to make the most of my time working within each company. I'm also looking forward to coming to work in Birmingham as it's a place that I know and love and somewhere where I would love to start my career. I feel that Birmingham is a city that has many opportunities to offer graduates, it has a great history but also a very exciting future." 

Jason Norris, Chair of the Birmingham Future Talent Retention and Development Committee, and a former Graduate Apprentice, said:

"The scheme really helps to promote the breadth of career opportunities available in the city, and the fantastic lifestyle that Birmingham offers young professionals. We received a record number of applications this year, and are delighted to welcome Richard as our successful apprentice."

Richard takes the mantel from last year's winner, Emily Williams. Ms Williams, a Coventry-born mathematics graduate, undertook placements at Deloitte, VC Consulting and within the HR department of Matthew Boulton and Sutton Coldfield colleges as they merged to form Birmingham Metropolitan College. 

For more details on The Graduate Apprentice scheme and its previous apprentices, visit www.thegraduateapprentice.co.uk