By Jamie White – Head of Communications
Six groups of students from schools across the UK have been working with Hyundai Motor UK to set-up their own businesses through the company’s ‘Skills for the Future’ initiative.
For each school, a team of between eight and 11 pupils between the ages of 14 and 17 have come together to form a business.
All businesses have been developing a new product or service that has a connection to the car industry and its needs. With the help of a link teacher and a mentor from Hyundai Motor UK, the students are working on plans to raise capital, manufacture, market and sell their new proposition.
The schools involved are Highcrest Academy, High Wycombe, John Colet School, Aylesbury, Ysgol Gyfyn Gymraeg Llangynwyd, Bridgend, Holmer Green Senior School, High Wycombe, St. John Fisher Catholic High School, Harrogate and Cirencester College, Cirencester.
On April 27th, each business will come together at Hyundai Motor UK’s Training Academy in High Wycombe to compete for the title of ‘Best Business Enterprise’.
All teams will pitch their business ideas to Hyundai’s Board Executives who will select an overall winner. The winning business will go through to the European finals that will take place in Prague, Czech Republic between June 8-10th. Each successful business from participating countries across Europe will then pitch their ideas to a panel of judges from Hyundai Motor Europe, JA-YE, and industry experts.
The winning team will hold the title of ‘Best Skills for the Future Student Company in Europe’, and will receive invaluable practical training throughout the competition, ultimately enhancing employability and work readiness.
Tony Whitehorn, CEO of Hyundai Motor UK, commented: “Hyundai’s Skills for the Future programme is an excellent way to help increase the employability skills and entrepreneurial spirit of students, not just here in Britain, but also across Europe.”
Douglas Stafford has been working with Hyundai for several years, carrying out a range of mystery shopping, performance improvement and contact centre initiatives for the motor manufacturer.
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