Partnering with OCS for Young Enterprise
The EBA partnered with OCS to deliver yet another round of the Young Enterprise project. Nine student groups representing the Sacred Heart, St Thomas the Apostle and Charter East Dulwich had to develop a business plan and design their own products before facing the judges and earning the chance to sell at Borough Market. Students had three months to learn about sustainable produce, marketing, and business finance.
OCS kindly agreed to host the grand finale, Dragon’s Den style pitching day, providing an opportunity for students to pitch their business ideas to a panel of employers. Presenting their ventures and products to the judges, students got to develop their presentation and business skills in the process. Other partners supporting the programme and helping young people develop their confidence through entrepreneurship were Rock Townsend, Informa Connect, the City of London and of course Borough Market. Volunteers representing these employers, Sally Thompson, Kirshan Sukumar, Zeenat, Kristina Jackson and Dan Barber had direct impact on Southwark’s young people and their learning experience.
“Pitching our product to the panel of judges was quite exciting. It was really interesting to see how they view our product and hear what stands out for them, as well as what we could improve”, says Josh from STAC.
Deciding to make and sell candles, the team went for fruity and relaxing scents as “these tend to attract people the most”, says Samuel, the team’s marketing director.
The Charter School East Dulwich team, Kieren, Gideon and Harpreet, agreed they were looking for a product idea to complement the location and other products being sold around them, “Borough market is known to sell food and since we can’t do that, we thought ‘why not sell something that helps with the food’ and we’ve come up with cutlery.”
Sacred Heart students, Princess, Rosie and Stacie, decided to sell bracelets. They branded them by colours, but also by healing powers, most of them being dedicated to love and healing, and chose to donate their profits to a charity supporting people in Palestine.
OCS Stepping Up for Work Experience
Our partners at OCS also supported the EBA’s delivery of work experience activities for students at St Thomas the Apostle School. Students who weren’t able to secure a work experience placement, had the opportunity to learn more about hospitality and engineering at the Imperial War Museums. This hands on experience that combined sushi making master class, egg parachute competition and a tour of the museum, helped students understands how hospitality and engineering skills can be vital in unexpected places – like museums. “By combining engaging activities with real-world examples, OCS has made a significant impact on these young students’ perceptions of potential careers paths,” says Kellie Newell, Social Value & Innovation Practitioner at OCS.
Understanding how important it is for young people to have direct experience of professional work environments and opportunities they might not access otherwise, we want to thank our partners at OCS and everyone involved. The time committed to these programmes by our volunteers is crucial and we truly appreciate everyone who helps us make the difference.
We are always looking for new partnerships to expand our programme delivery and strengthen local connections. If you would like to get involved, please do contact us at eba@southwark.gov.uk or call 020 7525 2895 for further discussion.
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