The Council is using the power of enterprise to help the district's children and young people thrive at school and college so they're better equipped for the world of work.

 

What is it?

 

‘Step Up Enterprise' is a district-wide project initially funded from the Kickstart enterprise support programme. Two of Kickstart's main aims are to help young people to raise their aspirations and to promote enterprise in local communities.

"Enterprise is critical to help young people develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes they will need to get a good job, become a business leader or start a business," says Ashleigh McMillan, the project's manager.

 

"We will inspire and enable all children and young people to realise their potential by involving them in high quality enterprise activities. This will prepare them to face the challenges of the world of work and will provide local employers with better job applicants".

 

Business people and community leaders are being asked to become role models for young people in their neighbourhoods and to support local schools, colleges and communities.

 

Following a visit to Lidget Green Primary School by John Tague, Managing Director of Bradford-based Seabrooks, the school's Deputy Head, Philippa Tomlinson, commented: "John's visit added importance to their curriculum project. It opened their eyes to the world of work and hard won success in a culture of 'instant fame."

 

How are they doing it?

 

A team of Enterprise Enablers is taking the project into the district's state primary, secondary and special schools, colleges and local communities.

 

They are working closely with head teachers, subject teachers and, in communities, with youth leaders to tailor the enterprise programme to meet the needs of children and young people in each neighbourhood. Also, they are helping teachers, youth leaders and others engaged in delivering enterprise education to develop their knowledge and skills.

 

Says Rachel Kidd, Principal of the newly-opened Dixons Allerton Academy: "One of our aims is to give young people a voice and the confidence and skills to cope in the world of work. The ‘Step Up Enterprise' team have worked closely with some of our students.

"They have learned a lot about enterprise, enjoyed giving and hearing presentations and were excited to be involved in a real project. The whole experience empowered them and has given them skills which will help them to be independent and enterprising."

 

‘Stepping Up' business clubs will encourage young entrepreneurs to develop their business ideas, with support and training from Bradford Kickstart to help them turn dreams into reality.

 

What is happening now?

 

In many of the district's 29 secondary schools young people are encouraged to set up a small business within their school, selling goods or services to their fellow students.

 

At Challenge College, Manningham, students aged 14 and 15 have set up ‘Ultimate Juice,' a social enterprise which plans to sell a well known brand of Smoothies in their own and other schools, contributing to pupils' healthy diet. Any profits they make will go back into the business.

 

Enterprise Enablers are impressed by the high quality of business ideas coming from some of the district's 150-plus primary schools. "Youngsters are coming up with great ideas," says Ashleigh.

 

Thirty finalists in the first ‘Step Up Market Challenge' will sell their products from market stalls in Darley Street, Bradford on Saturday, June 5, competing for prizes worth up to £2,000. Dozens of ideas from primary and secondary schools, as well as youth groups, have been submitted.