Business volunteer for student businesses

Young Enterprise's amazing Business Volunteers inspire and support young people to set up and run a real business as part of our Company, Team and Startup programmes. This hands-on and highly impactful role involves mentoring and encouraging students to face the challenges of running a business, and the inevitable setbacks this entails, in a safe space to apply their learning to the real world.

You do not have to have run your own business to be involved, all we ask is that you have a passion, drive and commitment to the young people as well as being able to advise on how things are in the 'real world' of employment.

Full training will be given on the programme and YE's online support platform.  You will have the support of the Educational Partnerships Manager throughout your volunteering role with YE.

The days and times required depend on the school you are linked with.  All schools will hold (approx) 1 hour weekly meetings; these could be during lesson time, lunch time or after school.  They will be term time only.

What you will be doing

• Coaching, mentoring, and positively challenging a group of young people running their own business
• Being a supportive and encouraging role model
• Attending regular company meetings within the school environment
• Keeping a group of students on track and supporting them with more complicated tasks i.e. Opening a business bank account

The skills you need

• Patient, encouraging and open-minded
• Comfortable in the presence of young people (but no specific experience is necessary)
• Able to commit to attending regular face to face student company meetings within a school
• Able to communicate appropriately with young people
• Open to learning new things, to challenge and in turn be challenged
• Comfortable in the use of basic IT as the role involves using our online platform for Company Programme
• (Volunteers do not necessarily need experience of running a business in order to enjoy and make a big impact in this role.)

What's in it for you

• Satisfaction of supporting young people to grow in confidence, learn new skills and achieve their potential
• Develop your professional skills in mentoring, facilitation and communication
• Volunteering alongside a group of young people will challenge you to think differently and approach problems from a new perspective

Disclaimer

Keeping young people safe.  All Business Volunteers will need to undertake an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check prior to starting in the role as part of our commitment to keep young people safe.  This will be funded by YE.  Mandatory safeguarding training will need to be completed too.