Building Aspirations for the future with Youth Enterprise Northern Ireland

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is delighted to announce its support for Young Enterprise Northern Ireland’s Building Aspirations Programme. With financial backing from the Council, Go Succeed and the James Kane Foundation, this partnership will give thousands of young people throughout the district access to vital entrepreneurship, financial capability and work-readiness skills.

Over 3,000 post-primary students from schools across Newry, Mourne and Down will take part in interactive and inspiring education programmes. Delivered by Youth Enterprise NI, the initiative is designed to help young people manage money effectively, prepare for future career pathways and develop entrepreneurial skills by setting up and running their own businesses, gaining valuable hands-on experience along the way.

The Building Aspirations Programme complements the Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting young people through initiatives such as Go Succeed and the Labour Market Partnership, both of which focus on enhancing employability and entrepreneurship opportunities across the district.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said “The Council is proud to support the Building Aspirations Programme, which will equip young people with essential skills such as creativity, problem-solving, teamwork and entrepreneurial thinking. These experiences will give them the confidence and practical knowledge needed to navigate the world of work, helping them seize opportunities and build successful futures.”

Chairperson Councillor Philip Campbell continued, “By encouraging young people to think innovatively and embrace challenges, this programme helps prepare them to seize future opportunities, adapt to changing industries and contribute meaningfully to our local economy and community. It’s an investment in their potential and in the future success of our next generation.”

Chief Executive of Young Enterprise Northern Ireland, Carol Fitzsimons MBE, added, “We are so pleased to work in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. The world of work will dramatically change by the time our children finish education. They need to be prepared to adapt and thrive in any future world. This is where skills such as confidence, resilience and creativity are vital.”

Students at St Colman’s High School & Sixth Form College in Ballynahinch are among those eager to take part. They recently welcomed the Council and Young Enterprise NI team to learn more about the opportunities available through the Building Aspirations Programme.

Through this collaboration, the Council is investing in the potential of its young people, helping them gain the employability and entrepreneurial skills increasingly sought after by employers.

To find out more about the programme, please visit www.yeni.co.uk.