YOUNG ENTERPRISE

Course Overview

This course is designed to enable students to find out what it’s really like to set up and run a business with an experience as close to the reality of the world of work as possible. It will provide students with an opportunity to develop an entrepreneurial mindset, with share capital sought from investors (themselves, friends, family etc) and any profits and losses very real.

Students make all the decisions about their company; from raising the initial share capital, designing their product or service, marketing and selling directly to customers and ultimately winding up the company. All this takes place with the support of a volunteer Business Adviser who brings a wealth of business knowledge and expertise to the team.

As well as developing hard business skills such as financial planning, risk management and marketing, a raft of soft skills are also embedded. Young Enterprise will contribute to being workplace-ready at whatever stage they enter employment:

Enterprise

The ability to see gaps in the market and take calculated financial risks in the hope of profit.

Communication

The ability to listen, write and speak effectively to present and exchange information and ideas in a clear and concise manner.

Confidence

The self-motivation and ability to generate and retain strong self-belief in personal skills, capabilities and likelihood of success.

Organisation

The ability to manage tasks effectively in business meetings, plan and deliver actions within a time schedule, and set smart goals.

Problem Solving

The ability to collect and examine information, think creatively, and analyse situations to generate solutions to problems.

Resilience

The ability to persist when facing setbacks, whilst adjusting to various pressures and circumstances.

Teamwork

The ability to successfully work together towards a common goal, understanding the importance of collaboration, delegation and compromise.

Entry Requirements

This course is open to students entering Year 9 & 10. This program focuses on "learning by doing" (and sometimes from making mistakes). Students must be able to work well both independently and in a group in order to move the business forward. An interest in achieving a successful business is the starting point, with specialisation as Managing Director (leadership skills), Finance Director (good Maths) and Secretary (good written skills) possible.

Assessment

No formal assessment. Students will take before and after questionnaires rating their employability skills to measure the difference the course makes. Completing these entitles them to a certificate of achievement.

Practical information

Who will deliver the course?

Mr Graeme Harland - Curriculum Leader for Business Studies

When?

• Company meetings will take place on Fridays from 3.15pm until 4.30pm

• Additional time over and above the timetabled session above is required to run the business

• Other external events are also scheduled, including occasional weekends (likely 2 or 3 Saturdays).

What will you need?

Pen, paper, iPad, ideas, determination and a business-like attitude!

Can I study this with other additional qualifications?

Due to the demands of planning and running the business and attending selling events it would not be advisable to undertake this course alongside other schemes or qualifications.

Is there a cost involved?

There is an entrance fee charged by Young Enterprise, which includes the team registration and access to all Young Enterprise Events and resources. Students will then seek investment for their business ideas. The fee will be confirmed in September, as it is dependent upon the number of students that take up this award. It is likely to be in the region of £50-£60 per student.

Staff Contact

Course Leader: Mr Graeme Harland - Curriculum Leader for Business Studies

Contact: gharland@wardenpark.co.uk