By David Thornton, CEO, Ed-WISE
One of the most fulfilling experiences is seeing young people gain in self-confidence to the point of feeling able to present information and promote their products in front of the public or a select audience. You know this will make a difference to their journey through life and the opportunities that could open to them. I have heard young people say, “now I feel I can get a job.”
That sums up the reason why Ed-WISE, a non-profit social enterprise based on the Isle of Wight and purposed to improve life chances for young people on the Island, are the engaged deliverers of the Young Enterprise Company Programme.
Over the past 5 years, Ed-WISE has overseen a growing competition open to all Isle of Wight schools, which sees student teams launch and run a genuine trading business for the academic year. Many Island businesses have become involved in this Young Enterprise Company Programme, supporting students in their key decision making. On the Island 12 teams took part this past academic year and nationally there are 600 teams taking part.
Many students have progressed well in the competition, including Wild Wax Melts from Carisbrooke and Medina College, featured below, who won the South East Regional Final and reached the National Final this past academic year.
A key to the successful development of this programme has been the input and engagement from leaders within the local business community. Rebecca Wheeler at Wheeler and Lai Chartered Surveyors is one such leader. Rebecca took on her role as Business Advisor to subsequent teams from St Catherine’s School with gusto, being very sensitive to the team needs, giving her teams practical support and encouragement.
Rebecca helped the teams to set up for retail events…
Coached them through Dragons Den investment pitch events, presenting to a panel of judges….
Helped to build up their self-confidence to become prize and award winners…
This is what it all meant to the students…
If you would like to know more about supporting students in this amazing learning and personal development experience, contact David Thornton at Ed-WISE: dthornton@ed-wise.org.uk
