Youth enterprise training scheme

Scheme to get school leavers into enterprise 5/4/14

A training scheme to help young people explore enterprising opportunities within the Western Isles is to be launched later this month.

Island training provider Cothrom aims to support 40 school leavers towards setting up their own business.

The new Enterprise on the Edge programme seeks to help young people understand how the local economy works and support them in taking up enterprising opportunities available to them.

For those who wish to develop greater practical skills in supporting young people, high-quality training in effective coaching and mentoring of young people into enterprise will also be available through the project, again on Harris (June 2nd to 4th). The trainer, Chris Pienaar has already delivered coaching programmes on the Outer Hebrides, and brings with him vast experience within Britain and internationally – he is currently supporting a programme of local economic renewal and enterprise in Gaza.

Because Enterprise on the Edge has the financial support of RBS Youth Inspiring Enterprise, there is no charge for any of the workshops or training, and some support for travel expenses will be available for those travelling by ferry from other islands.

The launch at a workshop in Tarbert, Harris, on April 24th will draw together representatives from community land trusts, community organisations and individuals who are committed to helping young people set up in enterprise.

The workshop will serve as a platform to allow all the partners to decide how best to help local young people through the Enterprise on the Edge programme.

Workshops for local young people who have left school will be hosted in May and June at locations across the islands.

There will also be training sessions for volunteers to develop greater practical skills in supporting young people through coaching and mentoring.