HISTORIC PRESS RELEASE : Treasury Minister Praises Hemsworth´s Role in Creating Entrepreneurs of the Future [October 2004]

The press release issued by HM Treasury on 21 October 2004.

Treasury Minister John Healey praised the ongoing achievements of the Yorkshire and Humber Enterprise Adviser Service when he met with members of the team at Hemsworth Arts and Community College today.

Following the recommendations of Sir Howard Davies’ Review of “enterprise and the economy in education”, the Chancellor announced a pilot programme of Enterprise Adviser schemes in Budget 2003 to work with 1,000 secondary schools throughout the country.

The Yorkshire and Humber Enterprise Adviser Service’s 14 Enterprise advisers have been working in 114 schools throughout the Region since early 2004. They use enterprise education and activities in schools to develop the skills and confidence that young people need in employment.

The scheme is receiving over £2 million of funding over two years from the Learning and Skills Council.

Speaking in Hemsworth, John Healey said:

“To create a dynamic business culture in this country we need to start within the education system, showing young people the importance of entrepreneurship and the many opportunities available to them. By enthusing the adults of tomorrow in business and enterprise we will help to ensure that all parts of Britain enjoy the economic prosperity that comes from a skilled, diverse and entrepreneurial workforce.

“The Yorkshire and Humber Enterprise Adviser Service is doing excellent work in establishing links between the school and the business community and in promoting the enterprise agenda. I have been impressed by the commitment and innovation of the advisers, teachers and students participating in this scheme at Hemsworth College today. I wish the Service continuing success in the future.”

Eddie Rodgers, chief executive of the West Yorkshire Enterprise Partnership, who manage and deliver the Enterprise Adviser Service Programme in the Yorkshire and Humber region said:

“This project is about giving school leavers a better idea of different career options and the confidence to go into the workplace. Young people need to have the self-belief to be able to make decisions about their future and, if necessary, take some risks. Working closely with schools, our enterprise advisers are bringing entrepreneurial skills into the classroom so that young people are not only prepared for work but can also consider the possibility of running their own business.”