Young Enterprise Northern Ireland recently celebrated a successful first term of the Key Start Programme, aimed at re-engaging young people in education and developing an awareness and interest in enterprise.

An important part of the programme includes workplace visits, to give students the opportunity to put their new skills into action and to experience the world of work first-hand.  Royal Mail was amongst the local employers who offered the students the opportunity to come into their premises to discuss career prospects and give them an insight into their busy sorting office at Mallusk, Newtownabbey.

Barbara Roulston, Head of External Relations for Northern Ireland, commented:
‘We’ve been supporting the work of Young Enterprise for a number of years and are really keen to help young people develop essential skills for the workplace and make career choices that are right for them. One of the best ways to do that is through work experience so we were delighted to show this group of young people what goes on at Royal Mail and give them a flavour of the job opportunities we offer.’

Funded through the European Social Fund (administered by the Department of Employment and Learning), International Fund for Ireland and the South Eastern Health and Social Services Trust, Key Start will offer places to almost 300 students aged 14-16 at over the three-year programme.  The six participating centres are the Loughshore Education Resource Centre, the Link Centre, Conway Education Centre, Pathways Project, New Start Education Centre and Education By Choice – all specialising in the provision of education for marginalised young people.

Activities will take place at the Northern Ireland Scout Centre in Crawfordsburn Country Park and run over 10 weeks.  The 300 young people will receive training in business and enterprise, personal development and employability, and get the opportunity to participate in outdoor activities, such as canoeing, caving, abseiling and archery. 

Ronan Quinn, Project Officer with the Young Enterprise Key Start Programme, commented: “Our unique Key Start Programme provides a fantastic opportunity for the young people to learn about enterprise, while developing their skills in a fun and interactive environment.  We are delighted that so many local businesses are prepared to support this initiative by opening their doors to these young people to inspire them to take control of their future careers.”

 Ceri O’Reilly, Manager of the Pathways Project praised the Programme: ‘The Key Start Programme has been very effective in allowing our students the opportunity to see in practical terms how business works. The programme has helped participants to consolidate existing skills and learn new ones which can be applied to the workplace. Pathways are very happy with the way in which the Key Start programme assists the young people in their preparation for the world of work.’