Arun Enterprise Challenge 2010 Seeks Volunteer Mentors
As you may have seen either at the Arun Business of the Year Awards, or through the Business Partnership meetings, the Arun Enterprise Challenge is now moving into its second year.
As a result of the storming success and as a result of increased demand, the Arun Enterprise Challenge is back and seeking volunteers from the world of business.
Background
The Arun Enterprise Challenge is a competition modelled on an original project successfully piloted recently by Littlehampton Academy. Its design has been further developed by Arun Business Partnership, Barclays Bank plc, Bognor Regis Community College and the Education Business Partnership into the Arun Enterprise Challenge, ensuring all year 10 students from all schools in the district get a chance to compete.
The competition will be team based to start with, culminating in an individual challenge to find the most enterprising student in Arun. The awards and prizes for both the winning teams/students and individual stages of the competition will be again held at the prestigious Arun Business Partnership Awards in October 2010.
Students benefit greatly from the support and assistance provided by local businesses such as yours. These benefits include:
- They are able to directly apply their knowledge to a practical context, meaning they are more motivated and engaged in the subject matter;
- Students begin to recognise those skills/behaviours needed for the world of work;
- A notable rise in their personal and professional confidence levels;
- A rise in their overall achievement.
Students involved in previous similar events have been candid in their feedback: “the part where we got to speak to real business people was the best – I’ve learnt so much and feel more confident than I’ve ever done”.
How you can help
We are looking for volunteers for the first of 2010's challenges, to be held at Butlins on Dec 9th from 9am - 1pm, to be mentors to the groups of young people taking part.
They will be looking to you to guide them with general business skills such as time management, leadership, motivation and communication.
Being involved with schools and their students can bring huge benefits to your business, and to your staff, such as free publicity, personal development in leadership and management skills for staff members keen to progress, and through showing corporate social responsibility.
If you'd like to take part please contact Chris Shephard at christopher.shephard@arun.gov.uk or call on 01903 737853.
