The advice below was written by Andy Jackson, the first candidate fired from Series 3. I liked it so much I've added it to the FAQ, with a few very minor spelling changes.

I wanted to give you a few tips for those thinking about applying next year...
1. It will consume your life
2. It WILL (if you don't have savings) possibly bankrupt you. Leaving your job, all the traveling to and from interviews and finding another job is expensive.
3. It is not the Gravy train to success when you come out
4 Prepare to work blooming hard when you come out to try and get a better job
5. Don't expect much/any support from anyone involved in the program. (Not their fault as they are concentrating on the remaining candidates)
6. Make sure you have a strong relationship with your partner as the media are relentless.
7. Don't expect to walk into a media career (reality contestants are 10 a penny and forgotten quickly)
8. It will affect your next job as there are a lot of media commitments throughout the show
9. Don't take anything personally
10. Be yourself...... you will get found out if you're not

I hope this isn't a negative rant as it's not intended to be. I have worked blooming hard since coming out and have written over 1000 letters and the same in e-mails and phone calls. Never take NO for an answer.

Remember SAS picked you out of the last 30 CV's and that's invaluable when you think he has effectively rubber stamped you as a potential £100K employee.

Here's some Tips:

1. Keep up your profile even if it's only locally (Get involved in a charity)
2. Get the experience on your CV and get it out to everyone.
3. Make a showreel
4. Don't take no for an answer
5. Do what you're good at, not what you want to be (I want to be footballer but it's never gonna happen)
6. Remember your loved ones are 100% behind you despite media intrusion and your past being dragged up.
7. Enjoy it, you are one of a few people that will ever experience this.

I have made a grand total of £375 on media things since coming out so it's not the media money you should be chasing, it's the next "big" job and you need to focus yourself on what you want to do if it goes wrong. Turn the negative into a positive.

Interesting post.

Thanks, Kate.

Hunt around on the net and you'll find the entire article - which is excellent!

I was just amazed how little they make from the media appearances post 'apprentice'

I also thought this was a really level headed article and anyone thinking of applying should read it and digest

I think it depends on who they are & if they have a media friendly persona (good or bad) - James Max, Saira Khan, Paul Tosari, Tre and now Raef have all done well.

Others have gone back into business & done well.
I think Andy's problem is he went 1st - that is always going to look bad to a potential employer. Plus he was one of the older candidates, with a young family - potential employers must question his logic in going on the show.
Good luck to him though "We're going to work until we bleed" was one of the best lines of series 3.

He was first out the so that obviously had an impact on his lack of riches from media/appearances.

i thought they were locked in the bbc basement and only let out after 100 years