Learn by operating your own real self-directed business
The Business Skills Program™ is a structured educational program that promotes innovation, entrepreneurial spirit and the use of IT, and reinforces career education and builds employability skills. The program operates Australia wide in metropolitan, regional, rural and remote locations and is aimed at Senior high school, Post compulsory and Tertiary Students.
The program provides an authentic learning environment for a team of 15-25 young people to build their skills, knowledge and experience by putting their ideas into action to establish, plan and operate a self directed business.
Participants are guided by comprehensive program manuals and experienced business and industry mentors.
The Business Skills Program™ generally runs for 2 hours a week for 24 weeks, and during this time participants work as a team to:
- Establish, plan and operate a self directed business
- Sell shares to raise capital
- Identify skills, experience and resources
- Explore and plan ethical business practices
- Identify, research and evaluate business opportunities that are unique, entrepreneurial, innovative and/or community focused
- Integrate ICT into all facets of business operation
- Conduct breakeven analysis and determine financial feasibility
- Develop a product or service
- Plan quality production processes and source raw materials and suppliers
- Embed sustainability principles and practices into all business operations
- Create a marketing plan
- Develop a budget
- Write a Business Plan
- Actively market and sell the product or service
- Monitor results and if necessary review and improve
- Produce financial statements
- Provide a return to shareholders and make a donation to a Registered Charity
- Produce an Annual Report
At the end of the 24 weeks students conduct an orderly closedown of the business.
Benefits:
Program "graduates" can be confident that they have developed significant skills and experience that will empower them to:
- have a better understanding of what they need to do to get the job they want
- make more informed career and study choices
- gain employment and make a significant contribution in their workplace
- set up and/or manage a small business or new division in a large organisation
Best of all participants meet new people and have fun while learning from experienced mentors and developing the skills, knowledge and experiences they will need in the future.
Eligibility:
All young people over the age of 15 are eligible.
Cost:
The Business Skills Program™ is free of charge to participants.
Commitment:
2 hours a week, usually from 4-6pm for 24 weeks. Extra time will be needed to complete tasks or attend special events such as Management Skills Workshops, Trade Expos and Awards.
Programs start in March/April and finish in October each year.
Where:
Programs are either run as an extra-curricular activity or at school/on campus. Contact your Careers Adviser, Year Adviser or Campus Services to see if a program runs at your school or campus.
Why participate?
The Business Skills Program™ is open to all young people over the age of 15 and is not limited to students studying business or considering a career in business. The program provides an authentic learning environment for students to apply their skills and knowledge, develop their teamwork, communication and leadership skills and see how their technical skills contribute to job effectiveness.
