CEBLO FactFile
Young Enterprise

“The Company Programme allowed us to really experience what it is like to run a business. We had to develop teamwork making the best use of individual skills and had fantastic support from our Business Adviser. We had our share of arguments and problems but on the whole we had a lot of fun… AND WE DID MAKE SOME MONEY” – Year 12 Achiever; 2002

“This is a live model business, with real issues to be addressed. It is good for the achievers. It is excellent training for the adviser,” Lee Smith of ARM Holdings says, “Our staff see more management problems in one year of a YE Co than they would expect to see in ten, within their own work.” – ARM Holdings Cambridge 2002

Young Enterprise is a national charity dedicated to providing an experience of business and the skills required to young people in schools and colleges.

In Cambridgeshire and Greater Peterborough, two Boards of volunteers organise the local calendar of events and an annual competition; they recruit and train advisers and provide active support to the participating schools. Each Board employs a Development Manager.

Young Enterprise programmes now include:

1. Company Programme: is the flagship Young Enterprise programme. It operates with sixth form students supported by business advisers. They set up, operate and manage a small business for one year. Achievers generally take part in the national competition to find the best company each year. Some schools are now considering running this programme in Year 10.
   
   
2. Primary Programme: has six themed modules; Ourselves, Our Families, Our Community, Our City, Our Nation and Our World. Activity driven, these look at adult skills, services, work, tax, and trade which contribute to our community. There are five lessons per module, each of which is targeted for Years 1 to 6 of Primary, and presented by a volunteer.
   
   
3. Project Business: a business led series of six lessons/activities that explore the direct decisions and risks that confront a company in a market economy. Aimed at Years 9 and 10 (Age 14-15). It is also an excellent platform for business managers to practice their presentation skills, and to take a bird’s eye view of their own business.
   
   
4. Team Programme: this puts decision making into the hands of young people, who set up their own business over a 1 to 2 year period. It is designed for pupils who experience difficulty with learning. It provides structure and outside support, and helps them to acquire life rewarding skills. It was developed for Special Schools but also provides a successful model for alternative provision at KS4 in other schools. Registration allows companies to operate for two years.
   
   
5. Entrepreneurship Masterclass: is a one day event designed to encourage students to consider starting their own business as a career opportunity, and to identify the key entrepreneurial skill this requires. Local entrepreneurs are invited to be keynote speakers and share their real-life experience with the Achievers in a relaxed, enjoyable setting. Other business-based organisations are invited to give presentations, for example, HSBC, The Enterprise Agencies, Small Business Service, The Chambers of Commerce and The Prince’s Trust.
   
   
6. Graduate Enterprise: encourages university students to explore business within the Young Enterprise framework and the support of a panel of Advisers from the local business community.
   
   

BENEFITS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

• There is now a possible progression of understanding and skills development from Primary school to Sixth Form and University through Young Enterprise programmes.
• Learning is experience based and always intended to be enjoyable
• Many of the activities young people undertake can be mapped against the acquisition of Key Skills
• The OCR Examinations Level 1 and Level 2 (Company Programme) Entry Level 3 (Team Programme) providing young people with recognition of their achievements. Participation in Young Enterprise is widely recognised amongst employers and will help in job applications and interviews
• Young people gain an awareness of their community, develop transferable skills and learn to explore and develop opportunities
  
  

BENEFITS FOR BUSINESS

• The programmes allow businesses to provide positive support to young people in their community and may support recruitment objectives
• Individuals from business are provided with training for each programme
• Events, such as Award Presentation Evenings, Trade Fairs and MasterClasses’, provide good PR to the businesses supporting Young Enterprise
• Acting as a Business Adviser or Partner can contribute to Continuing Professional Development, Staff Development objectives and improving the communication skills of employees
  
  

BENEFITS FOR SCHOOLS

• Schools are provided with a structured programme, supported by trained volunteers, that they can offer as an enrichment option or as part of their curriculum development plans. Programmes can also form part of Alternative Provision and provide a template for the acquisition of Key Skills
• Young Enterprise companies and schools are well supported through the Internet. The Young Enterprise national website contains valuable support materials and a FAQ forum
• Schools and their young people can develop international contacts and trading partners through the national website: www.young-enterprise.org.uk
• Teachers, acting as the Young Enterprise Link Teacher, can gain accreditation.
  
  

FUTURE DEVELOPMENT

Many secondary schools in Cambridgeshire and Greater Peterborough run Young Enterprise programmes but we would like many more local young people to gain valuable experience and enjoy enterprise. In the Primary Programme only a small number of primary pupils have benefited from this worthwhile programme and there is enormous potential to deliver this programme to more of our primary schools.

The Young Enterprise Boards will work hard to support new centres and to increase the numbers of young people taking part. The support of schools and the business community are needed to champion, develop and expand these programmes.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION