By Vivien Couche | Senior Relationship Manager
Through our Inspiring Futures programme, we have provided targeted opportunities and support to schools from the most disdavantaged area of England and Wales, (IMD1-4 areas), and we are pleased with progress indicating that participants are achieving positive learning outcomes which help to close the gap with their peers.
The impact evidence collected over the first two years of the programme (validated externally by Nectar360) has shown that prioritising these young people leads to increased preparedness for the world of work and improved prospects for them.
Through our programme evaluations over the past three years, we know that young people taking part in Inspiring Futures have consistently assessed themselves as lower than average, compared to their peers, in particular they are notably below average for confidence, resilience and managing money. We are excited to share that after taking part in Inspiring Futures, they go on to greatly exceed the average skills and mindset levels. There is strong growth in development of work readiness, working responsibly and financial capabilities.
Our experience in 2023/24 provides further indications of the impact from our work for young people facing disadvantage.
Speaking about her experience taking part in Company Programme at a schoool in Crewe this year, Mary commented: “Participating in the Young Enterprise programme provided me with valuable hands-on experience in starting and running a real business. I had the chance to make strategic decisions, manage finances, and solve problems as part of our team’s journey. This practical experience allowed me to develop key skills such as leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving in a real-world context. I gained confidence by engaging in public speaking and navigating the challenges we faced in our business, learning to adapt and overcome setbacks. Moreover, the programme expanded my professional network significantly, as I connected with experienced mentors, advisors, and peers. These connections offered valuable insights into industry trends and customer behaviours, enriching my understanding of the business landscape. Although our results didn't fully meet our expectations, the experience was immensely beneficial. It provided a safe platform to experiment, make decisions, and learn from mistakes without facing severe consequences, contributing to both my personal growth and professional development.”
Mary continued to describe the impact of taking part in the Young Enterprise Company Programme as follows: “It has helped me figure out what I want to do in the future. I set my target of going to university to study business, and this programme gave me valuable insights into what that path might look like. I learned a lot about how businesses work and the challenges during start-up. I discovered that I enjoy taking on leadership roles and working in teams to achieve common goals.”
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