Clayesmore

Young Enterprise

What is Young Enterprise?

With more than 5,500 schools, colleges and universities participating in its programmes, Young Enterprise is the UK’s largest business and enterprise education charity.

The Young Enterprise programmes are all based on the principle of learning by doing and bring volunteers from business into the classroom or university to work with the teacher and students. Some of the Young Enterprise programmes offer students direct experience of enterprise through working together to run their own real company. Others are structured around seminars and classes, using games, activities and role-play to help students to develop skills and capabilities for enterprise, business and the world of work.

Lower Sixth students have the opportunity to take part in the Young Enterprise Company programme which involves running a real company and enabling them to embark on an experience that will influence their education, career and could possibly shape the rest of their life!

What is the Company Programme?

In the Company Programme, students set up and run their own company over the course of one academic year.

They elect a board of directors from amongst their peers, raise share capital then market and finance a product or service of their own choice. At the end of the year they liquidate the company and present a report and accounts. Formal recognition of the skills and abilities developed through the Company Programme is offered via the Young Enterprise Qualification that all Company Programme participants are invited to sit.

What do the students get out of the experience?

Forming a Young Enterprise company gives the students an opportunity to test out their skills and their abilities to cope with new and difficult situations. It can help them make the right decision about career choices and the qualifications needed.

Each year awards are presented to the best all round Young Enterprise companies. Award winners are not necessarily the companies that make the most profit; team involvement, an understanding of business, an innovative approach and good ideas are just as important. The teams can win local awards and even go to the national HSBC Young Enterprise Innovation Awards and European Competitions.

The company programme is fully recognised and valued by universities and employers alike and gives the students the opportunity to enrich their whole educational experience.

Further details on the course can be found at www.young-enterprise.org.uk. Look under 'Company Programme' for the course we offer.