Case study
West Hill School
For many students, the prospect of entrepreneurship as a career path seems like an unattainable option, however our network of 10,000+ business leaders stands testament to the fact that entrepreneurship is one of the most rewarding and enriching professions out there.
As such, Global Entrepreneurship Week celebrates the innovators of today that are catalysing positive change through 29,000 activities across more than 150 countries
One school participating in this tribute to the entrepreneurial spirit was West Hill School in Stalybridge. Paul Butterworth, Assistant head-teacher, wanted to create a series of inspiring events, connecting his students 160 year 8 students to business leaders and innovators from an incredibly diverse range of industries and backgrounds.
Not only did the students gain perspective and learn how the subjects they are studying can be applied in life beyond the school gates, the 15 speakers enjoyed the events immensely and found great value in giving back to their local community.
Great day @westhillschool talking about business experience. Thanks to @Founders4School
Tina Lucas
A pleasure. And an interesting start to the day!
Simon Swan
I really enjoyed visiting West Hill School today. The pupils were very polite and asked lots of interesting questions
Cat Lewis
Paul Butterworth was lucky enough to witness the tangible change as the students’ aspirations were lifted and the cogs started turning when thinking about the possibilities that await them.
“All of the presentations gave valuable insights into possible career pathways and certainly met the brief of inspiring our pupils. The business studies pupils will be able to use many of the examples given in their studies. The speakers provided quality advice and clear messages about working hard at school, aiming high and working for something you love. The also talked about the importance of resilience - all of which are key messages that we want to promote, which were backed up by the speaker’s real life experience.”
Delighted to have celebrated @GEWUK with 15 inspiring entrepreneurs with a combined turnover of over £103 million!#GEWmakeit@Founders4School
What’s more, the students were able to attend multiple events over the course of the week, increasing the number of connections with business leaders they were able to form and exposing them to examples of entrepreneurial success from a host of industries. After all, study has confirmed the vital nature of these student-employer encounters, as just 4 encounters with business leaders decreases a students’ likelihood of becoming NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training).