Business Advisors

Can you spare one hour a week excluding school holidays? Then maybe you could become a Volunteer Business Advisor at a local school? Alongside a member of staff - you will help mentor a small group of year 10 students to set up and run a real business!

Students (average age 15-19) set up real businesses during the autumn term in school. They will trade openly with the public for an academic year. They can make profits and even pay tax!

Over the year they will experience:

An understanding of how a business works and how wealth and employment is created.

The process of electing a Board of Directors, developing a product or service for their business, writing a business plan and launching their business in the 'real world'.

Working together to achieve deadlines and deal with setbacks.

The knowledge that self employment is a realistic option for the future.

Could you be a mentor, keep them focused, encourage their creativity and entrepreneurial flair?

Volunteering runs in the academic term time and opportunities arise throughout the academic year - most volunteering takes place towards the end of the school day i.e. 3pm -4pm.

Skills

Our volunteers have experience which cuts across every sector of the economy. They are in employment, entrepreneurs, stay at home parents, on a career break or retired. They have one thing in common - a desire to pass on their skills and experience of business to inspire the next generation. Anyone with experience in business or management will be valuable to us. It's important not to underestimate your work experience - what you have learned at work is invaluable to these students and their companies. Retired business people who can make a regular commitment to meet the students in their school are particularly welcome.

Training is initially with your local Young Enterprise Manager - there is also an advisor guide and online support.

Volunteers must be 18+ and undergo a DBS check.