Six ‘Enterprise Ambassadors’ are heading into Leeds’ schools to inspire any budding Alan Sugars and Richard Bransons in the city.
The ambassadors - from a range of backgrounds including business, community and voluntary sectors - will work closely with business partners to nurture Leeds’ next generation of entrepreneurs. Part of the £15.6m city-wide ‘Sharing the Success’ project, the Education Leeds managed project will focus on helping young people in the city’s most disadvantaged areas to gain an understanding of enterprise while raising aspirations and confidence.
During the three year project the ambassadors will deliver a wide range of activities in schools, such as the Cashpoints Money Management Game. The game allows young people in key stages 3 and 4 (13-16 year olds) to take on the roles of both customers and members of a company, learning how business works, how to manage money and developing enterprise skills. The Cashpoint game was delivered at the David Young Academy earlier this month.
Lynne Frost, Vice Principal of DYCA, said: “The students really enjoyed the simulated work place activities that presented them with challenge, opportunities for developing teamwork, creativity and thinking skills. These are all very necessary to be successful as entrepreneurs and active members of society.”
Chris Edwards, chief executive of Education Leeds, said: “This is a perfect example of the wide range of world class vocational and practical courses we’re developing in partnership with our schools. These ambassadors will unlock the entrepreneurial spirit in those young people who would probably never otherwise consider a career in business. These brilliant learning opportunities will give our young people the skills, knowledge and experience they need to have brilliant, successful careers.”