Award winning enterprise education programme, ‘Are You Ready?’ is launching a national campaign during Global Entrepreneurship Week to create a culture of enterprise in education.

‘Are You Ready?’ works with schools and colleges to develop enterprising and entrepreneurial learning for young people aged 4-19 so they develop the skills, attitudes and aspirations necessary to survive and thrive in the 21^st century.

Now ‘Are You Ready?’ is calling on the government to make enterprise and entrepreneurship a key part of all young people’s learning and has launched a government e-petition to try and spark a debate about how young people are educated for life in the 21^st century.

Catherine Brentnall, ‘Are You Ready?’ Project Officer, said: “Changes in technology and the global economy have transformed business and employment beyond recognition. Young people have got to be ready for what’s out there; we are doing them a huge disservice if they come through their education without understanding that if they want a job in the future they might have to employ themselves. Our campaign is about inspiring children and young people to become creative, resourceful and energetic adults who can help us all build a more prosperous future. But attitudes and mindsets are formed at an early age and that’s why we believe enterprise and entrepreneurship must be a key feature of all young people’s education, from as soon as they start school.”

‘Are You Ready?’ was launched in June 2011, with support from founding Patron Carl Hopkins, a Channel 4 Secret Millionaire and social entrepreneur. In October 2011, the ‘Are You Ready?’ campaign gained national recognition when it won the StartUp Britain ‘Best Enterprise Support Award’, presented by the Rt Hon Vince Cable at the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. Judges in the competition were impressed by the campaign’s values and the potential scale and impact of the programme.

The team behind ‘Are You Ready?’ have developed ‘Ready’ enterprise education programmes in North Lincolnshire, Calderdale, Scarborough andHull. Their flagship scheme, Rotherham Ready, was the first to be developed in 2005. In 2010,Rotherhamwon the Enterprising Britain competition, run by Dragon’s Den star Peter Jones. The town became the ‘Most Enterprising Place in the UK’ after Rotherham Ready showcased their approach to creating a culture of enterprise in education and inspiring young people about the world of work, business and self employment.

Becky Mollart, ‘Are You Ready’ Schools Liaison Officer said; “We passionately believe that enterprise is an essential part of a 21^st century education. We want to put enterprise at the top of the education agenda and create a movement towards enterprise in education that will help young people become successful and fulfilled adults.”

The ‘Are You Ready?’ campaign needs to achieve at least 100,000 signatures for the issue to be considered for debate in The House of Commons.

Jackie Frost, ‘Are You Ready?’ Project Manager and winner of the Queens Award forEnterprisesaid; “We are an extremely committed team – we have seen the positive impact enterprise and entrepreneurship in education has had, with children from as young as 4 years old learning new skills, and growing in confidence and aspiration. Now we want to inspire schools, colleges and universities nationally to prioritise enterprise, support young people’s enterprise development and help create a dynamic economy.”