This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Thousands take part in Enterprise Week
18/11/2005
Thousands of children took part in Enterprise Week 2005 and over 2,000 school/business partnerships are now up and running across the country.
As Enterprise Week 2005 drew to a close Deputy First Minister Nicol Stephen hailed the success of this year's event. He highlighted that the Executive's target on forming business partnerships has been met more than six months ahead of schedule.
Mr Stephen said:
"Enterprise Week has been a huge success. From having 15,000 children involved last year, 25,000 in 2005 is a massive step forward.
"Our target of 2,000 business school partnerships in Scotland by June 2006 has now been reached. We are now well ahead of schedule and in a strong position to build on the Determined to Succeed programme for next year and beyond.
"Five years ago there was far less business involvement in our schools. Through our strategy we are committed to ensuring that 100 per cent of school pupils enjoy enterprise in education and so develop an understanding of the world of work.
"Determined to Succeed is the route. We are involving schools in every local authority in Scotland to help ensure tomorrow's workforce has the skills and the positive attitudes needed to do the job.
"We have committed £86 million to deliver enterprise education until 2008. To achieve maximum impact we now need even more local businesses to be involved.
"That is why I am calling on even more businesses to join us in partnerships with local schools. Young people get help to fully realise their potential; and businesses have the chance to develop the employees, entrepreneurs and customers of tomorrow."
On his return from a 10-day enterprise and education programme in India and China, the Deputy First Minister also made it clear that giving young Scots a positive 'can do' attitude was needed to ensure that Scotland could compete with the world's fast-emerging new economies.
He added:
"The world's economic balance is shifting, and we must ensure that here in Scotland we do all the right things to ensure our businesses can compete globally to survive and thrive.
"Companies and individuals must adopt a positive attitude if Scotland is to continue to compete in the fiercely competitive global marketplace.
"Young people need to be flexible, fast on their feet, and able quickly to respond to new challenges in order to ensure Scotland's economic future."
Over 100 events were held as part of Enterprise Week across every local authority in Scotland.