Now enterprising young people have an alternative, exciting option - with the opportunity to apply for the last few places at the new and innovative National Enterprise Academy (NEA), which opens in Buckinghamshire and Manchester this September.
The brainchild of Peter Jones, the NEA will provide 16-19 year olds with the opportunity to develop the skills and mindset to succeed in the modern business world. The NEA seeks to unlock the talent of young people, giving them the skills and approach they need to succeed in setting up their own business or to shine in an established business. The NEA will offer the first ever full-time education programmes in enterprise and entrepreneurship and provide new and unique qualifications in enterprise and entrepreneurship at Level 2 (equivalent to four GCSEs) and Level 3 (equivalent to two A levels).
Based in Buckinghamshire and Manchester, the Academy will pioneer a new approach to teaching entrepreneurship by focusing on 'learning by doing' and will provide students will the opportunity to address real life business issues through practical learning. This unique approach will include: work experience focused on real business issues; practical problem solving; competing in business challenges; and masterclasses led by experienced business professionals and entrepreneurs. Students will develop an investment-ready business plan for their own business idea, and will have the opportunity to set up and run their own micro-business.
Additionally, there will be a high level of input from a wide range of 'real life' entrepreneurs, who will act as coaches and mentors to the students throughout their time on the course.
Levi Roots
Levi Roots, creator of Reggae Reggae sauce, Mike Southon, author of the 'Beermat Entrepreneur' and Connor Woodman from Channel 4's 'Around the World in 80 Trades' are just a few of the entrepreneurs who have already demonstrated their support of the Academy by conducting masterclasses for the students on the NEA's Pathfinder course.
Get in touch!
For those budding entrepreneurs and young people who have always dreamed of starting their own business but didn't think it was possible, the last few places for enrollment at NEA provides the perfect opportunity. The application process will focus on qualities, not simply qualifications: successful applicants will be able to demonstrate an existing interest in and aptitude for enterprise rather than just evidence of past academic performance.
Those interested in taking part should be aged 16-19 on 1st September 2009 and can apply online at www.thenea.org or call the hot line on 01494 585410
Jonathan Mitchell, 16, a pupil from the South East, who took part in the NEA 6 month taster course said: "Getting on to the NEA Pathfinder course was a once in a lifetime opportunity. The knowledge, skills and business experience we learnt at the Academy was incredible. Peter's Masterclass on the first day showed how important it is to develop an entrepreneurial spirit and attitude, and that's something I'm certainly aiming to do."
Peter Jones said: "Unlocking the potential of Britain's young entrepreneurial talent is essential to the future success and competitiveness of our economy. There is no better time to face this challenge head on than during a recession - that's why I'm delighted to be in the position to offer young aspiring entrepreneurs the opportunity to learn directly from real business people like myself. The feedback from the students attending the NEA Pathfinder pilot course has been phenomenal. It's clear that there's a real appetite amongst young people to develop their entrepreneurial talent. We expect interest in the NEA to be extremely high, so young people keen to take their first step on the road to business success should apply now."
