TV dragon Peter Jones to launch a new apprenticeship scheme in Cornwall

BUSINESS guru Peter Jones CBE is expanding his mission to inspire a generation of entrepreneurs with the launch of a brand new Apprenticeship in Enterprise with Cornwall College.
Following a successful pilot in Manchester, the apprenticeship is being extended to Cornwall where motivated young people will get hands-on experience and learn the enterprising skills needed to bring new ideas and different ways of thinking to organisations.
Employers will be able to nurture internal talent or recruit someone new to work on a specific project, enabling their business to compete, grow and succeed.
The launch of the new scheme comes as another entrepreneur and dragon, Doug Richard, releases his findings to the government this week on the future of apprenticeships in England.
One of Mr Richard's key findings is that employers with relevant industry expertise should be invited to design and develop new apprenticeship qualifications for their sectors, exactly the model that this new apprenticeship follows.
The Apprenticeship in Enterprise will be taught at the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy at Cornwall College from February 2013.
As the first ever non-occupational apprenticeship, the qualification gives young people aged 16 and over the opportunity to energise a business from within in a variety of roles, departments and sectors.
The course will see apprentices spend one day a week at Cornwall College developing their entrepreneurial skills, which they put into practice at their employers during the rest of the week.
Apprentices, working directly with key decision makers where possible, are hoped to bring a vibrant new perspective to their employer's organisation, providing them with the talent they require to compete and grow.
Throughout the 12- 18 month programme, apprentices will learn decision making and problem solving skills, how to develop their initiative and resourcefulness, as well as project management, pitching and negotiation techniques.
Alice Barnard, chief executive of the Peter Jones Foundation, said: "The launch of the Apprenticeship in Enterprise is an important step in the mission of the Peter Jones Enterprise Academies to drive entrepreneurial education across the UK.
"For students it offers the chance to get to grips with the workplace environment and gives them the skills and confidence to be dynamic and entrepreneurial within employment." 
Dave Linnell, principal and CEO of Cornwall College said: "Working closely with the South West business community, Cornwall College Business strives to provide training solutions that meet the needs of businesses. There is a real demand for the development of entrepreneurial skills within businesses, particularly amongst SMEs in Cornwall and the Apprenticeship in Enterprise is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to nurture creativity and help their business grow."
Employers interested in finding out more about employing an Enterprise Apprentice are invited to register their interest, by contacting www.ccbtraining.co.uk, 0800 731 7594 or enquiries@ccbtraining.co.uk.