COVENTRY Apprentice candidate Mergim Butaja became the latest casualty from the hit TV show after failing to win this week’s task.
The 23-year-old ironically won all tasks with his respective team until he fell victim to the process in tonight’s episode.
A specialist salesman, Mergim told Observer reporter Shaun Reynolds what he is up to now, his aspirations for the future, how the show went and who he wants to see win the eleventh series.
“I tried selling fish to a vegan store which is never going to go down well,” the Kosovan-born entrepreneur joked.
“I’m obviously disappointed to have been fired but I gave it my all and Lord Sugar praised me when I sold to a focus group which was nice.
“I was gagging to be a project manager for one week to display my leadership skills but it just didn’t work out.”
Mergim now runs his own business transfer agency and is looking to inspire young adults and prove that, with the right attitude, anything can be achieved.
He added: “I went through the school process and then started my interest in business.
“I want to give something back to my community as this country has provided me with so much opportunity.”
The Coventrian surprisingly admitted that he didn’t find the process too stressful and that he had always wanted to be a part of the programme.
He added: “I didn’t go into the show with a set strategy, I went in to be true to myself and I got along with everyone creating no enemies along the way.
“The house itself got on incredibly well.
“The lads all worked well together, Brett was like the brother that I never had as was David.
“I’d like to see Brett win – he’s to the point, had great business skills and he deserves it.”
For Mergim, appearing on the show wasn’t all about himself – the likable character wanted to make a mark about people living in council estates and prove that everyone has potential.
He added: “There’s so much negative press about people who live on council estates and refugees and I wanted to prove a point.
“I lived a standard life as a child and wanted to provide a voice and provide some inspiration to people who come from a similar upbringing.”
One of the highlights for Mergim whilst appearing on the show was being praised by olympic gold medal winner, and national icon, Mo Farah.
Mergim said: “Mo praised my running skills – considering I’m a bit stocky and asked for the ambulance to be on call I’ll definitely take the praise and to meet such a national hero was an honour.
“People come up to me all the time in the street asking for photos and congratulating me on my efforts and it’s those type of comments that I want to hear.”
