The relationship between enterprise and education is something of a hot topic at the moment - which is kinda why we ran a big old analysis piece on it this month. It certainly appears our timing could not have been better especially as this week is National Apprenticeship Week.
And needless to say, nothing tickles our pickle more than programmes designed to inspire and propel the next generation of entrepreneurs upon which the future of our nation very much depends. The Ignite Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship in Innovation and Growth is just that.
Developed in partnership with Pearson, the learning company, and several other partner organisations, the Ignite Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship in Innovation and Growth from the Peter Jones Foundation will offer young people an opportunity to develop invaluable business and innovation skills, helping them prepare as best they can for the 21st Century workplace.
The foundation has enlisted the support of - among various other partners - Grant Thornton UK, that, with its Growth Accelerator Programme, is working to highlight the value of the apprenticeship across over 10,000 organisations in the UK.
Surprise is also in short supply with the revelation that Jessops - of which Jones came to the rescue last year - has partnered with the programme. The photography firm hopes the apprenticeship will better help it understand and meet the wide diverse needs of its customers. “We believe developing a workforce from within our business that understands our culture, values and commercial objectives is the most effective way to develop outstanding people that will ultimately give us a long term advantage in the highly competitive retail sector,” said Neil Old, its chief operating officer.