GWR grant to support young entrepreneurs at six Devon schools
Budding entrepreneurs from six Devon schools will learn valuable new business skills thanks to a £7,000 grant from Great Western Railway.
The funding will allow nearly 100 students to join in the Young Enterprise programme, developing essential business skills and attitudes which not only enrich their academic learning, but also provide a strong foundation for the future.
The programme will run for the duration of the 2021-22 academic year and support six schools in either rurally or economically-disadvantaged areas of Devon.
As part of GWR’s franchise agreement with the Department for Transport, the train operator is committed to supporting schools, colleges, community and other not-for-profit organisations by aiding a number of initiatives.
YE area manager for Exeter & North, South, East Devon, Marian Weston, said:
“Young Enterprise works in partnership with local schools, businesses and volunteers to inspire and equip thousands of young people each year to learn and succeed through enterprise.
“Together we ensure that young people grow up with the life skills, knowledge and confidence they need to succeed in the changing world of work.
“We are so grateful to GWR for this funding, which will enable these schools to participate in the Company Programme which empowers young people to set up and run a student company under the guidance of a business volunteer.
“Students make all the decisions about their business, from deciding on the company name, managing the company finances and selling to the public. Participants gain practical business experience and key skills.”
GWR Community Manager Emma Morris said:
“We have a specific pot of money designed to help support schools, colleges and community or other not-for-profit organisations. Young Enterprise is a long-running scheme which has helped set thousands of students on the path to a successful career and we are pleased to be able to support these schools as part of our Community Funding Agreement with the DfT.”
To find out more about Young Enterprise please visit young-enterprise.org.uk/
Notes to editors
First Greater Western Limited, trading as “Great Western Railway” (GWR), operates trains across the Great Western franchise area, which includes South Wales, the West Country, the Cotswolds, across southern England and into London. GWR provides high speed, commuter, regional and branch line train services, and before the covid-19 pandemic helped over 100 million passengers reach their destinations every year. GWR was recently awarded an extension to its direct award franchise (called DA3), which shall run up to 31 March 2023 with an option to extend for a further year.
Find out more here: https://www.gwr.com/about-us
Contact Information
John Carter
Media and Communications Manager
Great Western Railway
0845 410 4444