News: Rotherham programme launches campaign to transform young people’s education

Rotherham's award-winning enterprise education programme is launching a national campaign during Global Entrepreneurship Week to create a culture of enterprise in education.

"Are You Ready?" was launched by founding patron, Carl Hopkins in June 2011 and is a national programme based on the ground-breaking work taking place in Rotherham through Rotherham Ready. It works with schools and colleges to develop enterprising and entrepreneurial learning for young people aged 4-19 so they develop the skills, attitudes and aspirations necessary to survive and thrive in the 21st century.

Now the team are calling on the government to make enterprise and entrepreneurship a key part of all young people's learning and has launched a government e-petition to try and spark a debate about how young people are educated for life in the 21st century.

Catherine Brentnall, "Are You Ready?" project officer, said: "Changes in technology and the global economy have transformed business and employment beyond recognition. Young people have got to be ready for what's out there; we are doing them a huge disservice if they come through their education without understanding that if they want a job in the future they might have to employ themselves.

"Our campaign is about inspiring children and young people to become creative, resourceful and energetic adults who can help us all build a more prosperous future. But attitudes and mindsets are formed at an early age and that's why we believe enterprise and entrepreneurship must be a key feature of all young people’s education, from as soon as they start school."

In October 2011, the campaign gained national recognition when it won the StartUp Britain "Best Enterprise Support Award", presented by the Rt Hon Vince Cable at the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. Judges in the competition were impressed by the campaign's values and the potential scale and impact of the programme.

This followed from Rotherham being named the most enterprising place in the UK after Rotherham Ready showcased their approach to creating a culture of enterprise in education and inspiring young people about the world of work, business and self employment.

Jackie Frost, "Are You Ready?" project manager, said: "We are an extremely committed team – we have seen the positive impact enterprise and entrepreneurship in education has had, with children from as young as four years old learning new skills, and growing in confidence and aspiration.

"Now we want to inspire schools, colleges and universities nationally to prioritise enterprise, support young people's enterprise development and help create a dynamic economy."

Global Entrepreneurship Week has spread to 115 countries, with nearly 24,000 organisations planning more than 37,000 activities to celebrate enterprise. Rotherham Ready are hosting a number of events and challenges between November 14 to 20.

Are You Ready? website
Global Entrepreneurship Week website

Images: areyouready.org.uk