Enterprise Learning 

We have developed, with the help of our Entrepreneur in Residence, Paddy Willis, and our partner school, UTC@MediaCityUK, an integrated programme of enterprise learning through live briefs, hands on business learning modules and online business simulation training. With the employment landscape evolving to rely more on freelancers and agency models (particularly in the digital and creative industries), the programme educates and inspires young people to increase their awareness of entrepreneurship, agency working, and freelancing, and helps them to develop key employability skills and practical business knowledge so they are better prepared to succeed in the world of work. The programme includes: 

  • Aldridge Enterprise Services Ltd (AES)   

2023 saw the launch of AES, an umbrella company that allows sixth form students to set themselves up as freelancers so that they can respond to clients’ briefs and be paid for their work. The aim is to help them to prepare for entering the world of work when they leave school. This model is being piloted with creative digital and technical digital students at UTC@MediaCityUK but is replicable and will be rolled out across other schools.   

  • Hands-On Enterprise Learning 

To learn about and gain the essential business skills needed to work as freelancers, in agency models or to start their own businesses, young people undertake a core set of practical business learning modules and gamified business simulation exercises exploring subjects such as product and service pricing, financial modelling, IP protection, contracts and taxation. 

  • Founder Talks 

Through inspiring talks, we open young people’s eyes to entrepreneurship as career pathway, expand their networks and equip them with the knowledge and self-belief to follow this pathway if they wish to do so.  

Social enterprise challenges and work experience 

We also help our network of schools with their work experience programmes – finding young people placements with our corporate partners or working alongside our community of volunteers to deliver CV workshops, certified business simulation workshop, entrepreneurial challenges, mock interviews or inspiring careers talks and Q&A sessions. 

I used to not be confident. I’ve completely changed how I say things and what I do, which gives you a big confidence boost in the world.  

Charlotte, Social Enterprise Bootcamp participant 2022