Young enterprise alumni ‘more skilled’

17/06/2008

People who have taken part in enterprise education at school are twice as likely to start their own business than those who haven’t, a new report has found.

The research, by enterprise education charity Young Enterprise, indicated that 14% of those who had taken part in a Young Enterprise programme at school had gone on to become entrepreneurs, compared to just 7% of those who didn’t.

More than 15% of Young Enterprise alumni aged between 18 and 21 have gone down the entrepreneurial route – compared to just 3% of their peers, while almost twice as many of those aged 30 to 40 have set up their own business.

Almost 70% of those who had gone through enterprise education said they felt they had the skills required in the early stages of their career, while almost 60% of respondents who had been through Young Enterprise said they had a good understanding of the range of careers available, compared to less than half who did not take part.

Rachael Anderton, deputy chief executive of Young Enterprise said the research came at the right time.

“At a time when the issue is very much at the forefront of the Government’s agenda, and critical for preparing tomorrow’s workforce for a more flexible and entrepreneurial workplace, we are thrilled the benefits of enterprise education are now clear to see.”

“While we were aware the ‘learning by doing’ approach of Young Enterprise can have considerable benefits in terms of building confidence and developing skills, it’s great to see this really can inspire young people to start their own businesses.”