Young Enterprise Scotland programme adds new private sector names

A “pioneering” enterprise learning course has launched today with a new line-up of private sector partners, aiming to reach more young people and meet changing needs of schools.

Yes boss Geoff Leask (left) with students from Stirling High School company Timescape. Picture: Malcolm Cochrane.

The expanded Young Enterprise Scotland (Yes) Company Programme, which offers the first “Higher” for entrepreneurial skills and is backed by the Scottish Government, is introducing additional workshops and support from Accenture, City Fibre, Icas, IoD Scotland, Lyreco, The Marketing Society and Royal Bank of Scotland.

Last year, more than 2,000 pupils aged 17 to 18 in 140 schools across Scotland developed their enterprising skills by setting up and running their own companies as part of Yes’ Company Programme, with more than 300 going on to gain a SCQF Level 6 qualification for their achievements.

Referenced in the Scottish Government’s response to Benny Higgins’ Advisory Group of Economic Recovery report as a key driver of the nation’s economic recovery, Yes is launching a new learning model for the 2020/21 academic year with a Scotland-wide Digital Support Programme, developed with the Scottish Tech Army.

It includes virtual training and drop-in sessions, plus an online trading hub, with Yes’ partners delivering workshops on digital skills, leadership, finance, marketing and personal development. Also new for 20/21, credits scored for entrepreneurial skills under the SCQF scheme and administered via Glasgow Kelvin College will count towards university places.

Yes boss Geoff Leask said: The importance of enterprise skills to our recovering economy is widely acknowledged and the support and contribution of such a strong group of partners, underpin the role YES plays in schools to instil and encourage entrepreneurial skills.

"Many Scottish business men and women who are now running their own companies and employing their own workforce are alumni of the Yes Company Programme and our ambition is to produce many, many more successful entrepreneurs for years to come.”

Speaking at the YES Festival of Youth Enterprise, Deputy First Minister John Swinney deemed enterprise education “critical”. He said: “I have been delighted by the engagement and the participation of young people in enterprise education. It’s the hallmark of how we want to ensure that Scotland’s curriculum meets the needs of young people in the 21st century.

“Those who have taken part in the Young Enterprise Scotland programme have truly forged the way ahead in this field.”

SCOTSMAN.COM

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