Enterprise in schools

Citation

(2003), "Enterprise in schools", Education + Training, Vol. 45 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/et.2003.00445cab.006

Enterprise in schools

Enterprise in schools

The Government has announced £60 million in 2005-2006 for five days of enterprise activity for all secondary-school pupils. Secretary of State, Charles Clarke said: "There is a large number of adults in the UK workforce with no or very low-level qualifications. This has to improve because the quantity and quality of skilled labour is essential to our productivity and growth. By improving standards in our primary and secondary schools we are laying the foundations for long-term improvements in the UK skill base. But a faster improvement can only be achieved by updating the skills of those already in the workforce. That is why we are rapidly expanding employer training pilots and setting up a modern-apprenticeship task force. Our economy needs more graduates as well as skilled workers and our new young people's target proves we are determined to do both. It will also ensure that we have fewer young people with poor or no qualifications."

In a further development, the Government is allocating £5 million to pilot initiatives to encourage more volunteering during gap years. "Volunteering during a gap year can be a valuable individual experience as it can develop leadership and management qualities," said Mr Clarke. "It also benefits society as it encourages more youngsters to look beyond their own circumstances."