Overview
Company Programme enables students aged 15 to 19 set up and run their own company over the course of one academic year. They elect a board of directors from amongst their peers, raise share capital, and market and finance products or services of their choice.
At the end of the year the group liquidates the company and presents a report and accounts. Formal recognition of the skills and abilities developed through the Company Programme is offered via the Young Enterprise Qualification that all Company Programme participants are invited to sit.
>> Contact Young Enterprise to discuss the Company Programme
Company Programme
Today, young people need to be prepared to learn new skills; make sound decisions; work effectively in teams; manage risk; use their own initiative and much more. In other words, they need to be enterprising.
The Company Programme provides thousands of students each year the opportunity to develop these skills through the experience of running their own company, supported by volunteer advisers from business.
Students aged 15 to 19 set up and run their company over the course of one academic year. They elect a board of directors from amongst their peers, raise share capital, and market and finance a product or service of their own choice.
During their year of trading, Young Enterprise companies have the opportunity to participate in local, national and international trade fairs where they can sell their product, market their services and so boost their sales and experience.
International Young Enterprise company trading is also supported through International Links, a free website service developed by Young Enterprise UK. This allows Young Enterprise companies to partner with student companies overseas and forge international links in order to share ideas and experiences, arrange trade fair exchange visits, or trade with their partner company.
Formal recognition of the skills and abilities developed through the Company Programme is offered via the Young Enterprise qualification awarded by the OCR. All Company programme participants are invited to sit the Level 1 or 2 Certificate in Enterprise.
At the end of the academic year companies present a report and accounts to their shareholders. There is also an opportunity to enter a competition that runs at local, regional and national levels. A variety of awards are at stake including the UK Company of the Year title which includes a trip to compete in the European Finals.
As a result of running a Young Enterprise company, students gain:
- An understanding of how a business works and how wealth and employment are created
- The ability to work in a team
- Improved communication skills
- More enthusiasm and self confidence
- A willingness to take responsibility and initiative
- Time management skills
- Experience of key business functions such as marketing, financial management, sales, customer care and personnel management.
>> Contact Young Enterprise to discuss the Company Programme