Young Enterprise Inspiring Futures 2024/25

Inspiring Futures Case Study: Team UTC ATE from Engineering University Technical College (UTC) Northern Lincolnshire.

Team UTC ATE are a group of Year 10 students (age 14-15) from Scunthorpe in the Humber region, which is one of the most socio-economically challenged areas of the UK.

Their teacher reflected on the experience for her students, from taking part in Young Enterprise's Inspiring Futures programme: "The distance travelled for these students has been vast."

Young people across the UK face many barriers to education and learning. Through taking part in YE's Inspiring Futures programme, the team has blossomed into a close, ambitious group who have achieved a final product, that in their words ‘spreads happiness’. Their business focuses on designing and selling charming, environmentally friendly gifts. Among their range are miniature festive bobble hats and collectible 3D-printed figurines. The team chose these products carefully, reflecting their mission to create joy and reduce waste. From their packaging to materials, every step has a sustainable thread.

Team journey

When the team first formed, they had not previously worked together and they had to learn to communicate and organise their ideas. They faced initial struggles in decision making, which slowed progress and dampened motivation. Following guidance from their Young Enterprise supporter, Haggai, their thinking was challenged and they were encouraged to make tough decisions when necessary. Instead of spreading responsibilities thin, they streamlined their team, meaning everyone remaining in the group was fully committed. To bring their ideas to life, they learned CAD design and created 3D models that were cheap to make (13p), that they could sell across their school, with a respectable profit margin of 74%. It proved highly popular, with every classroom trading and showing off a collection of figurines. The team repurposed jars from a previous school project and made miniature bobble hats, sourcing materials second-hand from charity shops. This enabled the team to create responsible, accessible and unique gifts that are desirable to a market increasingly concerned about environmental impact.

Personal growth

As explained by their teacher Jen Vincent: "We have seen a new love for Business and Entrepreneurship from this group of students, which has led to them being focused on future successes through their learning in the College. Throughout the process the team noticeably overcame their doubts and believed in their own potential. Communication improved as they started listening to each other, solving problems together, and trusting their roles. They challenged each other's ideas, and collectively made tough choices to figure out pricing and production timelines."

This newfound confidence crossed over into their education. The team’s attendance at College improved dramatically. This led to greater participation in all lessons, and to thinking more carefully about their future. The students mastered a range of skills, from designing products with CAD software and gaining a powerful financial understanding of how much things cost in the real world

Lasting Impact

Having the opportunity to visit Manchester in the UK Company Final and to meet other students was a huge milestone in their journeys. One student chose to sacrifice her place at the Final, in order that one of her peers would be able to attend in her place. This decision signalled the strength of bonds within the team and the increase in their emotional maturity as individuals.

Team UTC ATE's journey highlights the transformation a group of young people can undergo when given the opportunity, responsibility, and support. The team has not only successfully run a small business and made a net profit; they have challenged their own attitudes about what they can achieve.

Evolution of Inspiring Futures

Year on year, we are increasing the reach and deepening the impact from our Inspiring Futures work. We are grateful to all the supporters who help us to provide this opportunity for young people across the UK, and the difference this makes for their long term futures.