The Learning and Skills Council (LSC) is urging young people to take part in the many events that will be running across the South West next week as part of Enterprise Week, in a bid to ensure that we do not lose out on the next generation of entrepreneurs.
A recent poll found that 21 per cent of children would like to run their own business and the LSC is keen to ensure that the enthusiasm, enterprise and aspirations of young people are not dampened by the economic downturn.
Enterprise Week 2008, which takes place from 17-23 November, will see thousands of activities run by organisations across the UK aimed at encouraging people to unlock their enterprising talent. Last year saw more than 5,000 events and half a million people take part. For the first time the Week has expanded in 2008 to become part of Global Enterprise Week – the first worldwide celebration of enterprise aimed at young people.
Paul Lucken, Regional Director of Skills at the LSC, said: “There is an ever growing need in the current climate to give young people the skills to spot opportunities, overcome challenges and implement ideas.
“If young people are encouraged and given the right opportunity to develop their entrepreneurial spirit, then in time this will be of huge value to the economy.”
The LSC stressed that enterprising talent is not just found in those with academic qualifications. “You do not need to be a straight ‘A’ student or follow traditional academic routes to be entrepreneurial, however, building new skills and developing learning are extremely valuable for success,” Paul continued.
“Options to continue developing skills has never been so varied, whether it’s work-based learning in the form of an Apprenticeship or staying on in further education. Events during the Week will not only help to build young peoples aspirations, but also help them to make decisions about their future careers and the skills they need to achieve success.”
Paul said: “Innovative thinking, problem solving, risk taking, financial capability, resourcefulness and taking the initiative are all skills that are vitally important to all organisations, whatever their size. Enterprise Week focuses on recognising and building these skills and is a fantastic and fun starting point to bolster young people’s confidence and ambition to be enterprising.”
For a full list of events taking place in the South West see www.enterpriseweek.org.uk
