Students from Banbridge Academy are celebrating the completion of the ‘QuickStart Programme’ this week with local charity Young Enterprise NI.

The QuickStart Programme, supported by Ulster Bank, sees Year 9 students develop a marketable product and business plan under the guidance of Young Enterprise volunteer Andrea McLaughlin from Ulster Bank Ltd. They have followed a detailed 10-week programme learning about entrepreneurship.  The Quick Start programme is overseen by Mrs Aileen Gilpin, Banbridge Academy.  Mrs Gilpin commented: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our pupils to develop the skills which are so valuable, both in school and the world of work. The QuickStart programme is an excellent extra-curricular activity which supports our school curriculum.

Young Enterprise NI brings together companies and classrooms and encourages pupils to develop their entrepreneurial qualities at a young age.

Carol Fitzsimons MBE, Chief Executive of Young Enterprise commented: “We are delighted to partner with Ulster Bank on our QuickStart Programme. QuickStart is a fantastic way for the students to gain first-hand experience of how business works while developing their entrepreneurship and employability skills. I look forward to seeing what the young people come up with.”