Young Enterprise (YE) is a national charity that passionately believes that every young person should have an equal opportunity to learn the vital skills to earn and look after their money, develop an enterprising mindset, and make a valuable contribution to their communities and society. They run financial and enterprise education programmes for young people to develop skills, equipping them for the world of work. Young Enterprise delivered ‘ Project Inspiring Futures’ for young people aged 14-19 in facing significant barriers to social mobility.
Step One involved the Company Programme, where two groups from St John Fishers Catholic School engaged in all aspects of running a business, from market research to financial management, gaining practical skills not typically covered in the curriculum. Throughout the program, students received guidance from volunteer Business Advisers (up to 56 hours), incorporating real-world examples into their learning. They also participated in competitions such as the West Yorkshire Final showcasing their companies, products and achievements at a local and regional level. Team one came up with the idea of T-shirts promoting men’s mental health and team two focused on bears representing disabilities.
Step Two included reflective sessions (previously referred to as Employability Masterclasses), providing support on identifying personal skills, CV writing, interview preparation, and understanding how digital footprints impact future prospects. The program empowered young people with practical skills and confidence to pursue employment opportunities, bridging the gap between education and the workplace.