“The more enterprising you are the more successful you will be” was the message from Oxford & Cherwell Valley College (OCVC) principal Sally Dicketts as she welcomed students to to the college's new Peter Jones Enterprise Academy.
Twenty six students have signed up to be the first to study for a pioneering qualification in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship at OCVC, as part of the high profile academy launch, one of a number around the country set up by the Dragons' Den star. At the launch on Monday students had chance to ask questions of a number of speakers, including Nigel Wild, president of the Oxfordshire Chamber of Commerce.
They were welcomed to Oxford by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Elise Benjamin, who said: “An initiative like this academy is exactly what we need. We need more and more people innovating and exploring solutions to the challenges we all face. I feel honoured to be here and wish you all the very best of luck.”
OCVC is one of a national network of approved partner colleges for The Peter Jones Enterprise Academy. The scheme to encourage more young entrepreneurs is being backed by companies including Orange and Grant Thornton, who will provide coaches and mentors. Students will work on real life business challenges, take part in masterclasses and workshops as they study, and work at setting up their own businesses, including pitching for investment from local 'business angels'.
Nigel Wild said: “I’m passionate about innovation and enterprise. To be successful you need a spark, you need to find a gap in the market or create your own market, you need tenacity. And you need to be one of those people who says ‘I can’ and go for it.”
Emily Little, who studied with the Academy at Amersham and shared her experience with Oxford students, said: “You’re going to have a really busy and exciting year. It’s not just about reading books, you’ll have the chance to make something and see it out there. You’ll meet inspiring businesspeople and have the chance to get their take on your business ideas.”
The launch event also heard video messages from Prime Minster David Cameron and phones mogul Peter Jones CBE. In his message, David Cameron told the students: “What you are doing is incredibly important”.
OCVC principal Sally Dicketts said: “I’m really excited you are here, and really excited to be working with you – the very best of luck.”
