Rochdale students offered enterprising aid to working together

Entrepreneurial students in Rochdale are being offered an innovative aid to working together and thinking differently about the role and purpose of business

Entrepreneurial students in Rochdale are being offered an innovative aid to working together and thinking differently about the role and purpose of business.

Following a new survey published by The Co-operative which shows 63% of 18-24 year-olds more likely to launch a venture with others than go solo, schools in the area can now sign-up to an innovative set of free teaching aids.

The Co-operative Enterprise Hub, which has helped more than 1,000 community-owned enterprises to get off the ground or grow, has supported the creation of new lesson plans designed to challenge students to explore alternative approaches to enterprise and discover how business can contribute to community, environment, the economy and society.

During an era when community-led regeneration is reaching record levels, the research reveals that more than three quarters (76%) of the young people asked had never been taught about co-operatives as a business model.

Sarah Klueter, Community Investment Manager at The Co-operative, the UK’s largest member-owned organisation, said: “It is vital that more is done to ensure the next generation is better equipped for the challenges that lie ahead and have the skills and knowledge to create enterprises that are fit for a more sustainable future.”

The free teaching aids, including activity plans and, supported visits to member-owned enterprises, are prepared by education specialists and available to all UK primary and secondary schools.

More than 5,000 schools have already joined The Co-operative’s free education programme - Green Schools Revolution.