The annual North Cork Schools Enterprise programme
The annual North Cork Schools Enterprise programme was launched at Springfort Hall Hotel last Monday night.
Minister for Education and Science Batt O’Keeffe officially launched the event, which is sponsored by AIB Mallow and The Corkman. A record 572 Transition Year students will take part in this year’s North Cork Enterprise Board initiative. Minister O’Keeffe welcomed the continuation of the NCEB programme pointing out that it inspires entrepreneurship in the classroom.
Transition Year students throughout North Cork are already embarking on school mini-companies as part of the NCEB programme. Co-ordinator of the schools programme Joan Kelleher along with the vital army of teachers will guide the students over the coming year towards setting up successful companies. The event culminates in a national competition in April.
During the year there will be several initiatives and opportunities available. The winner of an essay competition will be given two weeks work experience at The Corkman office. Winners of the best mini-company in North Cork will get €1500 worth of computer equipment from AIB Mallow.
“By tasking students with setting up their own mini-companies the programme guides students in the direction of creating jobs rather than just showing them how to get one,” said Minister O’Keeffe. “They come up with their own business ideas, write the business plan, produce the product, market it and, most importantly, learn to manage the books.”
The Minister paid tribute to the North Cork Enterprise Board for “working hard with national and local agencies and local business groups in helping to create jobs in our region”.
On the night, representatives from local schools and the business sector mingled for what enterprise board chairperson Emer Howard cautioned could also be last schools enterprise programme — if An Bord Snip Nua has its way.