A programme which has introduced thousands of Staffordshire college students to entrepreneurship has been expanded to include younger high school pupils.
The Ignite programme, which is delivered for Staffordshire County Council by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, has been running for four years and has seen more than 25,500 young people from across the county take part.
Students from Burton and South Derbyshire College, Buxton and Leek College, Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group and South Staffordshire College have benefited from the fully funded scheme, which includes online support, workshops, mentoring and support and is aimed at young people who have ambitions to start their own business in Staffordshire now or in the future.
And now, following a successful pilot in two Newcastle high schools last year – which saw 270 Year 9 pupils from Clayton Hall Academy and Newcastle Academy take part – the programme has been expanded to six schools with the aim of increasing to 10 in the next academic year.
Youngsters receive expert guidance on areas such as market research, business planning, financial forecasting, taxation, marketing and more, as well as modules on transferable employability skills, out of term sessions, green practices and net zero strategies, and dynamic ‘Dragon’s Den’ style business pitches.
Tom Nadin, Head of Projects and Business Services at Staffordshire Chambers, said: “Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce are proud to play a pivotal role in delivering the Ignite programme, which is transforming how young people in our county approach entrepreneurship and business skills.
“By connecting students with real-world expertise and opportunities, we’re not only nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs but also equipping them with vital skills that employers value.
“This collaboration highlights the power of partnerships in driving Staffordshire’s economic growth and fostering a culture of innovation and ambition among our youth.”
Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills, Philip White, said: “Our Ignite programme has been a resounding success since its launch four years ago – benefiting over 25,000 Staffordshire college students and now with a bespoke element rolled out to year nines in secondary school.
“While most students won’t go on to start their own business, at least initially, Ignite enriches the curriculum, gives them a better understanding of entrepreneurship and also how businesses operate successfully and grow.
“It is another demonstration of our commitment to increasing opportunities for our young people through skills development in areas relevant to them and future employers – helping to give them the best start in their working lives.”
Amrit Virk, assistant principal at Burton and South Derbyshire College, said: “It’s about entrepreneurial skills, how learners can build businesses, and how they can work with their ideas. Employers in the area value employees with strong soft skills, and it’s great that experts from the Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce lead this initiative.
“This programme aligns perfectly with our Skills Promise, ensuring learners not only gain industry-recognised qualifications but also develop the transferable skills, qualities, and the confidence to stand out in their chosen careers. It’s fundamental that colleges work collaboratively with the county council and the Chamber to focus on developing the key skills Staffordshire needs now and in the future.”
