Young Enterprise, the national education charity which builds links between schools and industry, has established a Wiltshire strategic board to help inspire the next generation of enterprising young people.
The board will encourage businesses leaders to volunteer their time to mentor students and businesses to become involved in sponsorship. It will also help Young Enterprise engage with more schools and young people across Wiltshire.
Students taking part in Young Enterprise set up and run their own real business for a year, mentored by a volunteer business adviser.
The students gain vital business experience that will stand them in good stead. Young Enterprise statistics show those who take part are 80 per cent more likely to find employment post-education and are twice as likely as their peers to run their own business.
Among the businesses already helping out is Swindon-based IT and communications business Excalibur, which is also offering to provide half the Young Enterprise entrance fee for schools.
Excalibur chief executive James Phipps, who will sit on the board, said: “Young Enterprise offers a unique opportunity for school children.
“I strongly believe this investment in entrepreneurialism is vital to ensure the long-term growth of the region.”
Every year Young Enterprise, which was founded in 1963, helps 250,000 young people learn about business and the world of work in the classroom under the guidance of volunteers from 3,500 companies.
Any business interested in sponsorship or becoming a business advisor, or a school wanting to get involved in Young Enterprise should contact: Andrew Martin on 07816954491 or andrew.martin@young-enterprise.org.uk.
