I am very proud of QinetiQ’s support for the Young Enterprise Scheme, a charity programme which enables 17-18 year old school students to set up and manage a company for a year. The scheme gives them a great opportunity to learn about running their own business; making and selling products; and developing entrepreneurial skills and a sense of innovation.
Being involved in the Young Enterprise scheme gives participating QinetiQ employees a great sense of contribution to the local community. It also provides excellent personal development in leadership, mentoring, coaching and communication skills which can be applied to their everyday jobs. Our employees find it immensely rewarding working with groups of lively, imaginative and energetic 17-18 year olds, and helping them to develop skills that they can use in their future careers.
At our Malvern site a number of our employees support Young Enterprise at local secondary schools by acting as volunteer Young Enterprise Business Advisors, and providing business experience and expertise. At the Chase School, for example, we have helped student companies produce and sell a diverse range of products, including environmentally friendly jute bags with catchy slogans which formed part of the local council’s drive for a ‘plastic-bag-free’ Malvern; a Bluetooth sensor activated by a mobile phone for finding lost personal effects; a language teaching resource pack; a Fashion App that helps choose and buy online clothing; and a children’s educational book about recycling.
QinetiQ also supports the Young Enterprise Scheme in Worcestershire by sponsoring prizes at local Young Enterprise Competitions and participating on the local South Worcestershire Area Board.
I believe supporting the Young Enterprise Scheme is an excellent way for us to contribute to our local communities, and to play a part in helping today’s students develop important business skills that they can take with them into their future careers.