By Tamsin Fidgeon

Entrepreneurs these days seem to be getting younger. Whether it be through the creation of a new social networking website, a planet-saving 'green' invention, or another tool to make life easier, faster and more convenient – the next generation of Richard Bransons is stepping up to the plate.

As a volunteer with Young Enterprise, you could offer them a helping hand. Made up of 12 regional organisations, and with more than 40 years experience, Young Enterprise (YE) operates through support from the business community and the Government. This support is provided in a variety of forms: financial, in-kind, and most importantly through the help of volunteers. The businesses and volunteers that support Young Enterprise take an active role in building a more motivated, educated and inspired workforce, making a real difference to the lives and future potential of young people who live and go to school in their area.

Young Enterprise is growing every year - during 2005/2006, 324, 924 young people took part in their primary, secondary and graduate programmes. Based on the principle of 'learning by doing', each programme involves practical, fun, hands-on activity, led by a volunteer from local business or the community, working alongside teachers or lecturers with specifically designed Young Enterprise programmes.

YE volunteers become part of an exciting and enjoyable learning experience for the local community, making a real difference to the lives and potential of young people in their area by helping them to understand the world of business and prepare for their working lives. No previous experience or expert knowledge is required, other then your own experience of work and business and your enthusiasm. The time commitment varies depending on the programme. As a business adviser for YE, you could go in to schools and help 15-19 year olds run their own companies for a year (one meeting per fortnight during term time). Or perhaps you'd rather help primary and secondary age students with learning difficulties learn about business and run their own companies (with strong teacher support, one hour a week). You could even work alongside the Prince's Trust mentoring and supporting 18-30 year-olds in starting up their own business.

As well as offering a learning experience for students, Young Enterprise also brings learning benefits for the volunteers who are encouraged to develop their own skills and knowledge alongside their students, in particular self-confidence, communication, interpersonal and team working skills. YE volunteers increase their knowledge through taking a holistic view and seeing how a complete business operates, rather than a single function such as production or sales. Through YE volunteers also have the opportunity to meet other similarly committed local business people and broaden their business skills in a real working environment.

Active involvement with YE as a Programme volunteer or Board Volunteer can contribute as structured and unstructured hours towards CPD/CPE qualification. YE provides its volunteers with access to training and the opportunity to put into practise newly acquired insights.

Search the do-it.org.uk database for Young Enterprise opportunities in your local area, or apply via the YE website.

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