News Guild of Mercers’ Apprentices 04.09.2019

Collyer’s Lauren Barnard and Nara O’Sullivan have been selected to be this year’s Guild of Mercers’ Apprentices.

The Guild of Mercers’ Scholars is open to ex- students from The College of Richard Collyer in Horsham and Peter Symonds Sixth Form College in Winchester and six other schools supported by the Mercers Company including top London independent schools St Paul’s Boys and St Paul’s Girls. The Guild supports two students from Collyer’s each year in obtaining the Freedom of the City of London and later on joining a Livery Company within the City of London.  It is associated with the Mercers’ Company which has always been exceptionally generous in the field of education – Richard Collyer was a Mercer and left money in his will to establish Collyer’s in Horsham in 1532.

The Apprenticeship involves having an Apprentice Master who offers advice and guidance and networking opportunities during university and starting your career.  At the end of the apprenticeship students are offered membership of the Guild and can obtain the Freedom of the City of London.

Lauren and Nara took part in an apprentice binding ceremony held at London’s Guildhall, supported by Lauren’s parents, Nara’s mother and Sally Bromley, Principal at Collyer’s.  Afterwards they were invited to a special supper in the Guildhall.

Tabitha Hall who became an apprentice in 2016 and is currently completing Pilot Officer Training for the RAF at Cranwell, said “Having an experienced Apprentice Master can help with writing CV’s, practising interviews and also building confidence when talking to professionals/potential employers.

“The process of application and being “sworn in” is an experience that you don’t forget and can help prepare students for future applications or interviews.”