Young Enterprise Northern Ireland (YENI) has set out an ambitious new vision for the future, with plans to deliver half a million learning experiences to children and young people across Northern Ireland by 2030.
The organisation, which this year marks its 40th anniversary, revealed the plans as it brought representatives from across business, education and government together for an event at Queen’s University Belfast.
The event, ‘Ready to Succeed’, explored how stronger collaboration can help develop the skills needed to support Northern Ireland’s future economy, with YENI envisaging a region “where every young person is ready to succeed and empowered to drive a thriving economy.”
The organisation aims to achieve its 500,000 learning experiences target through stronger partnerships with the business and education communities, providing inclusive entrepreneurship, enterprise and financial education which meets the changing needs of young people and prepares them for the future of work.
YENI Chief Executive Carol Fitzsimons MBE said the charity’s new strategy comes at an important time, with technological advances transforming how young people learn and work, growing additional learning needs within mainstream education and businesses facing skills and talent shortages.
“As Young Enterprise Northern Ireland enters its next chapter, our focus is firmly on the future and on what we can do to ensure every young person has the opportunity to develop the skills, confidence and ambition they need to succeed,” she said.
“Technology is transforming the way we learn and work, employers are facing significant skills and talent challenges, and our education system is responding to increasingly diverse learning needs. Connecting young people with the world of business has never been more important.
“Our vision is about making sure that every young person, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the opportunity to develop entrepreneurial skills and the confidence to shape their own future and contribute to a thriving Northern Ireland economy.”
Young Enterprise
The event at the Great Hall at Queen’s University Belfast highlighted the importance of this collaboration, with speakers and panellists exploring the changing skills landscape, the role of enterprise and innovation in economic growth, and how business and education can work together to prepare young people for the workplace.
More than 80 representatives from across Northern Ireland attended the event, which heard from a range of speakers including YENI alumni and business leaders.
Dr Ryan Feeney, Vice-President and Registrar at Queen’s University Belfast, which is Lead Educational Partner for YENI, said:
“Entrepreneurship, innovation and the development of the skills needed for the future of work are central to the role universities can play in supporting Northern Ireland’s economic ambitions. But that work starts much earlier, by helping young people develop enterprise skills, confidence and an understanding of the opportunities that are available to them.
“Our partnership with Young Enterprise NI is an important part of that journey. By bringing education and business together, we can help create a stronger foundation for entrepreneurial thinking and ensure that young people are better prepared to thrive in a changing world of work.”
Young Enterprise NI is a business education charity which helps young people develop skills for the world of work through practical enterprise, entrepreneurship and financial education. The charity is primarily funded by the business community.
