Young Enterprise is a fantastic opportunity to add a practical element to your academic subjects. If you want to learn how to start up a business, or possibly make some money out of an idea you already have, then this is the option for you!
As part of a company you will have access to Business Advisers, who will help steer you in the right direction to set up, run and eventually, after one year of trading, wind up your business. You will be fully insured and have your company name registered so this is very REAL!! You may decide to sell shares or fundraise to gain start-up funds; the choice is yours. In 2010, Thorpe St Andrew School and Sixth Form was recognised as a Centre of Excellence for Young Enterprise so, if you have ideas, drive and ambition then this is a brilliant opportunity for you to showcase these skills.
Do I need any experience?
No experience is required. However, Young Enterprise is a practical subject so you need personal drive, motivation and teamwork skills to make this a success. Some students choose this to enhance their A Level Business Studies, but others choose it because it offers a practical, hands-on opportunity to run a business of your choice for one year. You need to have a commitment to making your business work which may include working on product design, sales, marketing or finance, in your own time.
How does the Young Enterprise Scheme work?
Young Enterprise is offered as an enrichment subject. It is timetabled for one lesson each week, during which you hold a board meeting with your Business Advisers. There is a commitment to undertaking Young Enterprise activities in your own time and this will be dependent on the nature of your business.
How will I be assessed?
We do not offer a formal qualification in Young Enterprise, but all students who take part will be awarded with a certificate of involvement. Young Enterprise is also a competition and each company is invited to submit a Company Report and Business Continuity Plan to the Young Enterprise Board to enter a regional final, with the chance to go through to both national and international finals. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn valuable presentation skills and to meet influential local business contacts. All students will have Young Enterprise included in their university reference.
