Businesses are being encouraged to share their expertise and inspire the future workforce of County Durham by giving their backing to an annual competition.
Future Business Magnates (FBM), now in its 18th year, will see enterprising young minds from the county’s secondary schools working together with partner businesses to create, develop and present their ideas for a solution to a current commercial challenge.
Organisers, Business Durham, the Business Support service of Durham County Council, are looking for more companies to help create the next generation of entrepreneurs.
FBM provides a unique opportunity for businesses and schools to get together. The competition can help both understand the challenges businesses face and the type of skills the students involved need to overcome them.
Cllr Elizabeth Scott, cabinet member for economy and partnerships at Durham County Council, said: “Business partners are crucial to Future Business Magnates, acting as a critical friend to our ambitious young people.
“By harnessing their enthusiasm to the best effect, the business partners are helping the young people gain and develop the skills they’ll need when they start work.
“They bring a valuable real-world perspective into the classroom for which there is no substitute. In return, businesses get to develop beneficial relationships with school leaders and raise their profile and understanding of their area of business.
“Recent times have tested the resilience of many companies across the county, demonstrating the importance in business of using creativity, ingenuity, and inventiveness to thrive in the face of problems, a vital and positive lesson for the development of the next generation to help equip them for our ever-changing economic world.”
Business partners can come from any professional discipline, and the individuals involved need no previous experience of working with young people.
FBM provides the opportunity for companies to get involved with local schools, and provide a meaningful hands-on experience to pupils, many of whom may otherwise have no real opportunity to become familiar with the fundamentals involved in starting and running a business.
Businesses can showcase what they can offer to pupils, parents, and school staff from across the county.
Future Business Magnates provides an excellent opportunity for students to explore possible career pathways as well as nurture and inspire their entrepreneurial skills.
The budding young entrepreneurs get to stretch their problem-solving skills as well as improving employability skills like teamwork, communication, and presenting.
