A record 5,500 students across Staffordshire have received business skills lessons through the Ignite programme this year, delivered by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce on behalf of Staffordshire County Council. That represents 1,000 more students than the previous year.
The programme, now in its sixth year, is running across six colleges and nine schools. It teaches students enterprise skills through classroom learning, online modules and intensive workshops.
Student Experience
Eighteen-year-old Guy Williams, a student at South Staffordshire College, enrolled in Ignite because he wants to launch his own business. He said the programme helped him understand how businesses operate and what success requires.
"I feel more confident in my ability to plan, present, and think creatively," Guy said. "I would definitely recommend Ignite to other students because it's a great opportunity to learn real-life skills that you don't always get in a normal classroom."
More than 500 students enrolled on Ignite's online learning programme, while 225 attended intensive workshops.
New Pitch Challenge
A new feature this year is the Ignite Pitch Challenge, a Dragon's Den-style competition where students work in teams to develop a business idea and pitch it to a panel of judges. Vouchers and other prizes will be awarded. The challenge is scheduled to take place in autumn.
Programme Background
Ignite has helped more than 36,000 young people across the country develop skills in marketing, finance, business planning and teamwork.
Robin Hall, Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said: "It's fantastic to see a record number of young people taking part in Ignite and developing real, practical business skills. We want young people in Staffordshire to be ambitious and have the confidence to turn good ideas into something real."
For more information, visit the Ignite Platform – Staffordshire Chambers website.