The Young Enterprise Company Programme allows Year 10 pupils to set up and run a real firm for a year under the guidance of a business volunteer from 'Speedy Hire Group'. Pupils get practical experience of the joys and pitfalls of creating a truly functioning enterprise. Pupils carry out everything from raising the initial share capital through to designing and making their product or service, to selling directly to customers at specially organised trade fairs and ultimately winding up the firm and paying their taxes! This renowned programme has been running since 1963 and in that time a million 15-19 year olds have taken part. Apart from delivering aspects of work related learning under the National Curriculum, independent research shows it helps develop key skills that enhance young people’s employability and enterprise capabilities.
