Young Enterprise Scotland (YES) has boosted its campaign to embed enterprise learning into the education system with the appointment of three prominent, entrepreneurial ambassadors.
The leading enterprise education charity, which currently delivers programmes to over 1500 young people from primary school through to college, has enlisted the support of Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal and Vice-Chancellor at Strathclyde University, Poonam Gupta, CEO of the award-winning family business PG Paper and Peter Proud, CEO and founder of tech rising star Forrit.
With a tenure of at least one year, each ambassador will help connect the charity with business leaders, companies and trusts with a view to raising awareness of the YES enterprise programmes that are transforming the lives of young people by tapping into their entrepreneurial potential.
As part of an extended ambassador programme, they will also visit schools, interact with some of the students on YES courses and host events.
At a critical time for Scotland’s education sector and future economic growth, the ambassadors are joining an organisation that is committed to developing the skills, financial understanding and trade crafted needed by young people for work and life.
YES has successfully pioneered enterprise learning in schools with a range of programmes which can be delivered through a flexible blended online and physical approach. In 2019, YES launched the first ever ‘higher’ qualification for entrepreneurial skills through its flagship Company Programme.
Geoff Leask welcomed the new ambassadors saying:
“I am delighted to launch our ambassador programme with three inspirational figures. Each recognises that we have a unique opportunity to influence the entrepreneurial potential of our young people in Scotland and have a positive impact on our future economy. By equipping young people with an enterprise mindset we can open up many more career paths for them, be that within an organisation helping to drive growth, or by giving them the confidence to become a business owner themselves.”
Professor Sir Jim McDonald, added:
“As well as preparing our young people to become skilled employees, it is essential we help develop their enterprising spirits too. This can help them think about becoming self employed or seek to apply an entrepreneurial approach in organisations they may join; many employers will see such new employees as highly valuable as the power and value of innovation and enterprise in a company is now beyond a ‘nice to have’ to have become more of a commercial necessity.”
Poonam Gupta OBE, continued:
“It is important that the world of enterprise is connected to the world of education, ensuring that digital skills are available for all and that leadership skills development is recognised and nurtured so that young people get more chances to get involved in the world of work before they leave school.”
Peter Proud, concluded:
“It is not just about the key skills that young people need to enter the world of work, it is about attributes. It is about having the ability to accept different points of view. To be able to communicate efficiently and effectively and to be able to work in a team. If I had an ask of education, it would be to stop taking a cookie cutter approach. All students have different skills and learn in different ways. We need to help each young person really know what they excel at. To recognise what their strengths and weaknesses are and help them achieve the best they can. Education should be the foundation for all – the modern world is about teamwork and respect for others.”
Read the article on The Herald here.
Notes to Editors:
Young Enterprise Scotland has been inspiring & equipping young people to learn, develop and reach their full potential through enterprise since 1992. Every year they support around 15,000 young people, from all backgrounds, develop their business knowledge, entrepreneurial skills & ultimately become more employable.
Their dedicated & passionate team of staff are supported by over 600 volunteers from the business community to help them to realise their vision for Scotland to be a place where all young people should be given the opportunity to have a rewarding future in work and life – no matter where they start their journey.
All YES media enquiries: Elizabeth Lambley, Indigo, 07967 374330, lizzylambley@indigopr.com
