7 October 2008: A new National Enterprise Academy—the brainchild of leading entrepreneur Peter Jones—has received backing from Government, which today pledged £8 million in capital and revenue funding towards its development.
Through commitments of public and private support Peter Jones can now take forward his long-held aspiration of creating a ‘engine room’ for outstanding enterprise learning in the UK, and in doing so contribute to making the UK one of the most enterprising economies in the world.
The National Enterprise Academy will be a catalyst for cultural change in the UK, encouraging and stimulating entrepreneurial attitudes and behaviour among the next generation of young people. This unique initiative will draw on people experienced in business to mentor and develop enterprising young people.
Peter Jones said:
“I’m delighted with this commitment from Government to enterprise learning. The funding contribution announced today will help us turn our plans for a £32 million learning programme into reality. Through powerful public and private sector partnership, we can successfully unlock the talent of Britain’s young people and realise the potential of the UK to lead the world in entrepreneurship.
“The new National Enterprise Academy will focus on developing enterprise and innovation skills to equip the next generation of young people with the skills and confidence they will need to succeed in the modern business world, whether as enterprising employees or starting their own businesses.”
Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, John Denham said:
“I am delighted we can confirm the funding to further expand the National Skills Academy Network. Led by British entrepreneur Peter Jones, the new National Skills Academy for Enterprise will help tackle the existing skill shortage in enterprise, crucial for the future success of our economy.
“Utilising the entrepreneurial approach of the business world, the National Skills Academy for Enterprise will deliver world class enterprise education, equipping young people with the enterprise skill-set to become the UK’s future entrepreneurs. More than ever, in the current economic climate we need to develop innovative and inspiring training that enables the next generation to realise their potential—the new National Skills Academy for Enterprise will do just that.”
Joining Learning and Skills Council network of Skills Academies, the National Enterprise Academy—a uniquely cross-sector Skills Academy—will open its doors to aspiring entrepreneurs in September 2009. The National Enterprise Academy will offer 16-19 year olds the UK’s first accredited Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications in enterprise and entrepreneurship. In the first three years alone, the National Enterprise Academy will provide support to thousands of young people across the 14-19 and 19+ age ranges, helping to equip them with the skills to become the UK’s next generation of business leaders and entrepreneurs.
The National Enterprise Academy will initially comprise two leading-edge enterprise centres. The first, located in Buckinghamshire, will become the national headquarters and act as a regional hub for the South East. This will be followed by a second centre located in Manchester, which will act as regional hub for the North West. A national roll-out of satellite academies will then follow over the next four years, spreading excellence and best practice in enterprise education across the UK.
Peter Jones said:
“In the current economic climate, it is essential that the UK workforce is equipped with the skills to drive economic growth. There are still great opportunities to start and grow a business, but if the economy is to continue to grow, we need to instill a ‘I can’ attitude into the next generation at an early age.
“I have achieved success in business and I am passionate about young people realizing their true potential. We, in the UK, need to equip our young people with the confidence and skills to develop new ideas and see them through to commercial success. The National Enterprise Academy will kick-start this process.”
An overwhelming response to the National Enterprise Academy shows that young people and major UK employers alike are incredibly excited by the potential of this project. We have already received hundreds of enquiries from aspiring young entrepreneurs, SMEs, and the UK’s largest employers eager to get involved.”
Oona Muirhead CBE, Executive Director for Skills & Sustainable Prosperity at the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), said:
“The strong culture of enterprise in the South East is a critical element of the region's competitive edge. That’s why we are 100% behind the creation of the National Enterprise Academy and will continue to work in close partnership with the Peter Jones Foundation to make this a success.”
The next phase of the project will see the launch of the pilot programme in January 2009 aptly named the NEA Pathfinder. Located in Buckinghamshire, the NEA Pathfinder will run for a period of six months. It will provide up to 35 young people with a unique and exciting opportunity to achieve nationally recognised qualifications in enterprise, while working closely with Peter Jones and his team to shape and develop new and innovative enterprise qualifications the ways in which they are delivered.
Young people taking part in the intensive six-month pathfinder will develop personal and business skills, be taught by entrepreneurs and experienced trainers, attend master classes, take part in challenges, undertake problem-solving work experience and address real business issues.
Young people interested in taking part in the NEA Pathfinder should visit www.peterjonesfoundation.org, where they can find out more information about the pilot and apply online from 7 October 2008.