Dorset Echo - Best for News, Sport and Local Information for Weymouth, Portland and Dorchester

With more than 5,500 schools, colleges and universities participating in its programmes, Young Enterprise is the UK's largest business and enterprise education charity.

Young Enterprise offers a range of programmes for young people from 4 years of age through to 25+. The Young Enterprise programmes are all based on the principle of learning by doing and bring volunteers from business into the classroom or university to work with the teacher and students. Each programme is supported with training for teachers and volunteers, and comprehensive materials for teachers, students and volunteers.

Some of the Young Enterprise programmes offer students direct experience of enterprise through working together to run their own real company. Others are structured around seminars and classes, using games, activities and role-play to help students to develop skills and capabilities for enterprise, business and the world of work.

With more than 45 years' experience of developing and delivering tried-and-tested and tailor-made enterprise learning solutions, Young Enterprise currently reaches more than 350,000 young people a year through the involvement and support of 3,500 UK businesses.

The company programme allows young people to set up and run their own businesses for one school year. Advised by local business volunteers achievers will sell shares, take on a directors role, create and market their own innovative product or service, attend trade fairs, compete against other companies and finally liquidate in June. Volunteers are still needed to advise pupils for 2 hours a week during term time.

The following schools are currently involved in the company programme. See young-enterprise.org.uk/company for more information, or click the movie above:

Parkstone Grammar school

Bishop of Winchester

Poole Grammar School

Canford School

Portchester School

Glenmoor School

Wentworth Independent School

Talbot Heath Girls School

Winton Arts and Media College

Ashdown School of design and technology

Rossmore community College

Poole High School

Twynam School

Bryanston Independent school

Blandford School

Thomas Hardye School

Clayesmore Independent School

Budmouth College of design and technology

If your school is not listed please contact Hannah.towner@yesw.org.uk to find out more.

Pupils from Bournemouth and Poole schools also have the opportunity to mix with pupils from other schools to participate in the company programme. The following businesses have agreed to host a Young Enterprise company:

J.P. Morgan

Dorset Business

Procter and Gamble

Liverpool Victoria

Enterprise Pavillion

Castlepoint

Bournemouth University

ROK

Any pupil wishing to participate must in the first instance speak to their school, or e-mail Hannah.towner@yesw,org.uk to find out how they can get involved. Registration forms for the above will be sent to schools involved in September.

Employability Scheme

Volunteers are also urgently required to assist with an employability scheme being offered at Portchester School, Rossmore community college, Bishop of Winchester School, Poole High School, The Grange and Budbouth Technology College. Advisers will meet with a group of 6 students for 2 hours per month between September and April. Advisors will guide the pupils though a series of structured workshops designed to raise their aspirations and understanding of the skills and attitudes local employees seek. If you can spare 2 hours a month please contact Hannah.towner@yesw.org.uk