Enterprising youngsters
Teens in Apprentice-style challenge
Over a dozen students gathered in Scottish Gas’s Hamilton base for an Apprentice-style challenge designed to encourage entrepreneurship.
The Inspiring Enterprise Challenge received £10,000 from UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE), the economic generation arm of Tata Steel, in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council.
Aimed at students aged 15 to 17, the initiative ran for two weeks during the summer holidays. Like the television show, students had to go through an interview process for the chance to participate, with the chosen candidates being given the chance to take part in challenges set by local businesses.
The budding entrepreneurs were set a range of tasks, including designing a new product for Borders Biscuits, coming up with fundraising activities for Kilbryde Hospice as well as developing an innovative new business idea. For each project, pupils had to consider factors such as financial viability, packaging and advertising.
Through working with organisations, students gain knowledge of how business works, the language used and the skills required. The candidates also learn important skills for real-world employment such as researching, teamwork and communication, taking direction, problem solving and creative thinking.
The students were provided with training rooms from Scottish Gas’s Hamilton division for the duration of the challenge.
Anne Clyde, regional manager at UKSE, said: “This was a fantastic project, which gave young people with an interest in business the chance to gain practical experience. UKSE is proud to support initiatives that encourage young people to think about starting their own business.”
Douglas O’neil, head of customer service at Scottish Gas, said: “At Scottish Gas, we were delighted to support the Inspiring Enterprise Challenge again this year. The commitment and enthusiasm shown by all the children was clear with them giving up two weeks of their summer holidays for this initiative.
“The experiences they got from this challenge will really help them as they move forward in life and will give them a great story to tell at any future job interviews.
“I am sure there is also a number of future entrepreneurs amongst them based on the ‘pitches’ they made on the final evening.”
This fantastic project gave young people the chance to gain practical experience