Why Volunteer? Business Leaders Challenged to Inspire the Next Generation

Many modern business leaders are proud to call themselves volunteers, as more and more companies in Northern Ireland develop a CSR culture - but wouldn't it be even more satisfying for a volunteer to know that their time could potentially make a difference to the region's economic output?

Young Enterprise Northern Ireland provides many such opportunities. The UK's leading business and enterprise education charity has an ethos of ‘Learning by Doing', to promote a culture of enterprise from an early age, and all of them complement existing education programmes by offering specific curriculum links. Its offering is designed to ensure that young people acquire the skills they will need to become enterprising, creative and commercially aware.

Some Chamber of Commerce members will already be aware of its volunteer programme - almost 1,000 business leaders deliver its innovative business and enterprise education programme in Northern Ireland schools.

What it means to be a Young Enterprise volunteer...

Jeff Gallagher, Development Manager for Young Enterprise's North West region is currently undertaking a recruitment drive for new volunteers in the area. He commented: ‘Whether delivering a programme, or acting as a business mentor, you can make a real difference to the lives of young people in your area, for the long-term benefit of the Northern Ireland economy.

‘With a wide range of inspiring programmes, you can choose how much time you wish to commit to being a Young Enterprise volunteer.

‘We are currently recruiting volunteers who can share their experience of business and the world of work. New recruits will receive full training and support to fully equip them to work alongside teaching staff, and ensure that their experience is enjoyable and fulfilling.

‘Never has enterprise education been more relevant. In today's economic climate, it is imperative that young people take ownership of their future careers.

‘Business support is essential to the work of Young Enterprise Northern Ireland. As a not-for-profit organisation, it depends on various forms of support: financial, in-kind and through the provision of business volunteers. Many local and national businesses recognise the importance of investing in Young Enterprise to prepare young people for their future.

‘At a time when many organisations are reducing staff development budgets, supporting Young Enterprise can help many companies boost morale by encouraging their personnel to become business volunteers, and develop their professional skills base, for example, communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.

‘A relationship with Young Enterprise can provide many mutual benefits, including a practical solution to their corporate social responsibilities and generating many positive PR opportunities'.
Paul Erskine of Ulster Bank is currently acting as a volunteer for the QuickStart Programme at Cathedral Youth Club. He commented: ‘Of all the options available for volunteering, this seems to the most rewarding in terms of helping today's youth develop new skills, and also to understand some aspect of business.

‘The main benefit has been seeing the sense of achievement with the projects initiated and taken forward by the young people. It's particularly pleasing to see how they have worked as a team and how their confidence has grown. Volunteering with Young Enterprise Northern Ireland clearly demonstrates Ulster Bank's commitment to supporting our communities'.

If you are interested in learning more about volunteering opportunities, please visit http://young-enterprise.org.uk/northern_ireland/get_involved/Volunteer
or contact jeff.gallagher@yeni.co.uk