AS school leavers bear the brunt of the economic crisis, Dragons' Den star Peter Jones is offering to fast-track the careers of Cleveland's young people.
With one in six youngsters currently not in education, employment or training (NEETs) in Britain, the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy at Freebrough Academy - in Brotton, East Cleveland - aims to equip young people with the confidence and vital skills for the 21st century workplace - tackling the issue of local youth unemployment head on.
The Academy offers the UK's first BTEC Level 2 and 3 qualifications in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship. Through workshops, master-classes, networking opportunities and business surgeries, it aims to unleash entrepreneurial talent in young people, helping to prepare them for a successful future.
The Peter Jones Enterprise Academy at Freebrough Academy will be opening in September 2012. The level 2 and 3 courses will be offered to pre 16 learners in the 1000-place Academy and also to 100 post 16 learners in the brand new purpose built Post 16 Enterprise Centre. This will include flexible learning spaces, industry standard ICT and print facilities, a recording studio, a series of business 'incubation' pods where young entrepreneurs can nurture their business ideas and a community caf.
Peter Jones commented: "Nearly one million 16 to 24-year-olds are currently without a job or training place in Britain. This is a huge blow to our economy. Too many bright, ambitious young people never get the chance to gain the skills and confidence to live out their business dreams.
"The damage may be deep and long-lasting, and has the potential to create a lost generation. We need to take drastic action. We must help build the ladders for the next generation by showing them they have choices when it comes to education and career decisions.
"Our mission is to develop the entrepreneurial aspirations of our students and encourage them to think big. We want to prevent more young people from falling through the gap.
To sign up for a place, visit freebroughacademy.org/post-16-enterprise-centre/post-16-courses/peter-jones-enterprise-academy-courses/
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