By Paula Sales, Economic Development Officer
In my role as an Economic Development Officer, I have supported the Young Enterprise Programme in Christchurch schools for a number of years and have seen how the programme provides students with an insight into the world of work and the knowledge and employability skills they will need to succeed.
This year, along with a group of my colleagues, I worked with the Programme Team Leaders as a volunteer, helping Year 7 students at The Grange School with the activities and group discussions involved in the programme.
It was a very rewarding experience providing support to the students while they completed the activities and in particular answering their questions on finance and budgeting. The students were very enthusiastic and enjoyed discussing what careers they would like to go into and what skills would be needed.
Two of my colleagues had similarly positive experiences.
Ursula Green, HR Assistant, Organisational Development said, “It is a really interesting programme for the children and it was great to see them learn about the different career options available to them, and more realistically what they can expect to earn for these choices. The children were enthusiastic and eager to learn.”
Katie Ingham, Heritage Team Leader, Highcliffe Castle added, “Young Enterprise is a fantastic programme full of interesting and exciting ways to introduce young people to essential life skills. I received great training in preparation for the sessions that I took part in which meant I felt well prepared. On the day I enjoyed teaching the students and I found it a very rewarding experience.”
My thanks to Maggie Ayre and Hannah Cook from Young Enterprise, Dorset for delivering such an interesting an engaging programme. To find out more about the Young Enterprise Programme visit www.young-enterprise.org.uk/.