BBC Dragon Peter Jones has increased his interest in further education by launching his first academy in the West Midlands.
From September, Solihull College will be home to the Diploma in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship for youngsters aged 16 to 19 after becoming the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy (PJEA) West Midlands Hub.
The aim of the course is to “shift the boardroom into the classroom” equipping the future generation of businessmen with the skills and ambition to aim higher by giving experience of business life.
Kate Angel, Business Enterprise Manager for PJEA, said: “This is a really exciting time for the College.
“We will be giving young people the chance to study a new enterprise qualification, designed to hep them realise and achieve their business dreams.
“As part of the course, students will work on real-life business challenges and interact with employers to prepare them for their entrepreneurial careers.”
The diploma is delivered at two levels dependent on experience.
The Level Two involves developing a viable business idea, creating a full business plan, and pitching to investors.
However, Level Three supports students in setting up and running a micro-business for at least four months, during which time they will learn about planning and finance, communicating with customers, and planning for future expansion.
The National Enterprise Academy is the brainchild of Peter Jones and was set up in September 2009 as a non-profit educational institution dedicated to teaching enterprise and entrepreneurship.
– The college is hosting a PJEA Awareness Session at its Blossomfield Campus on August 17 at 4pm.
Alternatively, for more, visit www.solihull.ac.uk/pjea or call 0121 678 7000.
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