Emerging entrepreneurs in schools across North Lanarkshire can develop skills and knowledge to turn their innovative ideas into a reality thanks to the council’s new ‘Enterprise Pathway’ model.

The pathway aims to encourage young people to discover opportunities within the start-up sector and understand the mechanics of running a business so that entrepreneurship is viewed as a viable career choice.

The fresh approach will see children and young people in North Lanarkshire develop an understanding of enterprise, entrepreneurship, and self-employment as a career opportunity, starting with young children in early years. 

“This is truly a transformational addition to the curriculum and will see the Enterprise Pathway model starting in grassroots early years settings, right through to primary and then secondary sectors,” explained Councillor Angela Campbell, Convener of Education, Children and Families.

“We want to encourage pupils to see owning their own business as an aspiration and this new pathway will provide them with the skills and knowledge they need to do this successfully. That means understanding the mechanics of running a business, embracing innovation and technology and applying that knowledge to a business model."

North Lanarkshire Council is working in partnership with Young Enterprise Scotland, Scotland’s Enterprising Schools, Elevator Business Gateway, SmartSTEMs, Youth Philanthropy Initiative Prince’s Trust and Social Enterprise Academy to develop and deliver the new Enterprise Pathway.

As part of the new strategy, a North Lanarkshire Enterprising Schools Award has been created to recognise and reward schools for the wide range of enterprise activity taking place within the curriculum with Buchanan High School in Coatbridge winning the first Enterprising Schools award.