A West Kirby Grammar School pupil is among the first UK graduates of a global business programme.
The ActionCOACH Foundation’s YESS (Young Entrepreneur Smart Start) programme equips young people with essential business and entrepreneurial skills.
It is a 12-week course including weekly videos, assignments, exams, and practical tasks such as creating vision boards, business plans, and video pitches.
Three local students were among 26 to take part in the inaugural UK programme, including 12 year-old Emily Pitot.
Emily said: “I enjoyed learning about how to advertise a business, especially how to know which adverts would work best.
“To other young potential students, I’d say, ‘Yes, you should do this, and always remember to focus and listen because that information will come in really handy in the future.”
The school has now been certified to run the programme for its students, and plans to introduce it for year nine pupils.
Eion McWilliams, Head of Finance and Economics at the school, said: “It gives students a good opportunity to look at entrepreneurial mindsets, risk-taking, and enterprise.
“My hope for the Year 9 students is to see their passion and excitement for business grow, and to consider enterprise as a viable option for GCSE and A-level studies.
“This programme provides a confidence boost and teaches essential skills like vision boards and idea generation, which are critical for success in the business world.”
Coach Mark Hodgkinson said: “A lot of business owners never had the opportunity to learn about business.
“The earlier we can teach these skills, the better for them. I take great pleasure in seeing young people develop and thrive.”
Students, educators, and donors interested in joining or supporting the YESS Programme can find out more at http://actioncoachfoundation.org.uk.
