Bizstartup.ie - Biz Centre

In seeking to develop a thriving enterprise culture, it is critical that young people from all backgrounds see enterprise as a viable career choice. Entrepreneurial qualities and mindset need to be fostered from an early stage.  If we are serious about developing an entrepreneurial ethos we must start with our school-children and young people. 

We must listen to their ideas and actively support their innovations, as these can be the secret to the business successes of tomorrow.  Our young people need to be open to the idea of creating a new job rather than looking for one. For all of these reasons the CEBs have strategically focused much of their endeavour in the field of entrepreneurship development on the education sector.  Through various programmes and initiatives they have sought to influence student attitudes in favour of enterprise.  It is to be hoped that the proportion of young people who are prepared to “have a go” at founding their own business can be increased.

The CEBs continue to reinforce entrepreneurship in the education system as a critical element in the future development of small business in Ireland.  A number of initiatives are run by the CEBs at both primary and secondary level including:

Student Enterprise Awards - Second Level
Exploring Enterprise - Second Level
Enterprise Encounter - Second Level
Celtic Enterprise - Second Level
Bi Gnothach Enterprise Programme - Primary Level

The impact of all of these education activities is quite remarkable.  Over 20,000 students a year now participate in the various CEB–supported programmes implemented in the education sector. Bridges are built between the classroom and the workplace.  Students benefit practically from the experience-based learning opportunities provided to them. Contact with the role models can help them to explore career and business options and reinforce all-important qualities, skills and mind-sets needed for a changing world. Teachers, too, learn from their collaboration with business experts who bring hands-on experience into the classroom while their schools generally develop strong partnerships with business in their local communities.

This article came from the Enterprise Boards website.