employability revision and support notes. the impact of globalisation on employment

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Employability Revision and Support Notes

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Employability

Revision and Support Notes

The Impact

of

Globalisation

on

Employment

What is Globalisation?

Globalisation describes a process by which regional economies, societies, and cultures have become integrated through a global network of communication, transportation, and trade (Wikipedia)

It is basically a term that describes how businesses and cultures are linked together because they are working together

Impact of the Global Economy - Positives

Introduction of new industries - sharing of expertise Creates jobs in poorer countries Increased sales Promotion of fair trade practices We get access to many different markets and cultures –

greater variety of products and services We don’t need to buy only ‘seasonal’

produce as we can get what we wantall year round

Political benefits – building relationships with other countries

Impact of the Global Economy - Negatives

Loss of Jobs - skilled workforces are made redundant to move industries to countries where production costs are lower

Taking advantages of workers in poorer countries Carbon emissions from trade – investigating the best form of transport

There will be an impact from exchange rates and foreign economies

Multi-national companies don’t always employ fair trade practices

Language Barriers You will have to be aware of protocol for

international trade

Imports and Exports

Imports

Importing goods is when one country buys something from another country – e.g. our local supermarkets buy things like fruit, vegetables and flowers from other countries

Exports

Exporting goods is when one country sell something to another country – e.g. farmers in places like Spain and South America sell us their fruit, vegetables and flowers etc

Opportunities for Trade

There are many opportunities for Northern Ireland businesses to trade with businesses in other countries e.g.

Food Clothing Technology Transport Financial Services

Town-Twinning

The town-twinning project twins towns across the world to help develop opportunities in trade, investment and sharing cultural experiences

The European Union contributes 12 million euros each year to promote the scheme

Which town/city is your town/city’s twin? Belfast is twinned with the following:

Belfast, Maine, USA Bonn, Germany Hefei, China Nashville, Tennessee, USA

Investment in Training and Technology

The global market means that we have more access to training and new and emerging technologies

We share our expertise around the world which brings investment to our country

This means that Northern Ireland’s economy can improve while we are progressing in the global market

This also means that we have a skilled workforce through opportunities in training staff in new technologies

Competition in Trade

The global market also brings many opportunities for competition in trade

This can lead to and increase in trade and investment, which clearly brings in more revenue (money)

The downside to global competition is that it can also lead to some businesses closing with the loss of jobs through redundancy

Why Businesses Move Abroad

Cheaper workforce – workers in poorer countries are prepared to work longer hours for less pay

Cheaper utilities – gas, electricity and oil are cheaper in other countries

Cheaper rent / cost of premises To improve life for people in poorer countries Maybe there is expertise in a particular country

that is needed to manufacture a product

Effects on Local Job Market

Local businesses have been relocated to other countries resulting in job losses e.g. many businesses in the textile industry have closed in recent years

The workforce will have difficulty finding employment elsewhere

The job market will be swamped with skilled workers but there will be no jobs for them

Workers may have to spend years retraining which will have a negative impact on the economy

Types of Industry

Primary Sector – this involves working on the land to extract or create raw materials e.g. farming, fishing, mining

Secondary Sector – this involves manufacturing products e.g. factory workers, joinery, bakery

Tertiary Sector – this involves providing a service e.g. teacher, doctor, hotel employee, hairdresser

Changing Employment Patterns

Over the past few years there have been many changes in employment in Northern Ireland

Most employed people work in the Tertiary sector

Changes in technology have also meant that most industries in Northern Ireland rely on computer technology

Changing Employment Patterns

The introduction of machinery and computers in many industries has resulted in a reduction in staff

Schools are having to address the need for workers in the tertiary sector – traditional skills are being lost because of the demands from employers

Employees in industries such as textiles and the bakery industry have had to retrain in order to find employment

Teamwork in the Workplace

Teamwork can lead to: Sharing of ideas and creativity Healthy competition among staff Equal distribution of work Increased in production Raised self-esteem Sense of responsibility Lowered stress level Good relationships with colleagues Job satisfaction

Lifestyle Impacts Work Practices

Over the past number of years people’s lifestyles have changed work practices throughout the UK and Ireland

Job-Sharing this is when two people share the same job An employee may choose to work 3 days a week, in

which case the employer will have to employ another member of staff for the other 2 days each week

This means the employer will have to pay to advertise the post, interview people and pay for staff development for two members of staff instead of one

Lifestyle Impacts Work Practices

Tele-working This is when an employee works from home They can stay in contact with customers and

colleagues through telephone, computer and fax This reduces the need for office space as the

employee uses their own home

Types of Jobs Available

Northern Ireland was famous around the world for it’s main manufacturing industries – Agriculture, Shipbuilding and Linen

We have now moved away from these primary and secondary industries and have become a ‘service providing’ workforce

In class, discuss the employment trends in your own family

You will probably discover that most of your family members are employed in the tertiary / service sector

Migration

Migration is when people leave their own country

Usually people move to find employment or a better standard of living

Sometimes people migrate because of war or a threat to their safety in their own country

There has been an increase in migrant workers coming to the UK and Ireland over the past number of years

Immigration

Immigration is when people come to a new country You will hear politicians discussing levels of

immigration and how they can control the numbers of people coming to the UK and Ireland

You may be aware that countries like America and Australia have very strict immigration laws to control the amount of people moving to these countries

Emigration

Emigration is when a person leaves one country or region to settle in another country or region

For example you might emigrate from Ireland to Australia

Why leave your own country?

To find employment To find better pay and conditions at work To have a better standard of living To avoid war To avoid persecution For medical treatment To avoid racism

Why move to Northern Ireland?

NHS – free health service is very attractive to migrant workers

Education system – we have a high quality education system

Good employment opportunities for skilled e.g. in the medical profession

Employment for unskilled workers e.g. working in restaurants or car washes

Safety – many people are fleeing war situations and because of the high profile of the end of the ‘Troubles’ Northern Ireland is a very attractive option

Migrant Workers in Northern Ireland

Advantages

Work usually pays more than they could make at home

Most people are welcoming

A better life A better education

system A better health service

and benefit system

Disadvantages

Racism Poorly paid work Prejudice Poor housing conditions Language barrier Exclusion from society

Why leave Northern Ireland?

Better employment opportunities elsewhere Many professionals have left Northern Ireland

because they can command higher salaries elsewhere

Better promotion prospects in other countries Better climate in other countries Still a threat of terrorist activity

Advantages and Disadvantages of Emigration

Advantages

The people leaving may have a better life

Better job opportunities

Better chances of promotion

Better climate

Disadvantages

The main disadvantage is Northern Ireland loses highly skilled professionals such as doctors and teachers

This can lead to jobs not being filled

This effect is called the ‘Brain Drain’ which is when people are educated here and then leave for better job prospects

Growth of New Technologies

Use of Information Communication Technology has dramatically changed the workplace

The introduction of new and improved machinery means faster production, more output and, unfortunately, the loss of jobs

Work practices are more efficient with the use of ICT

It also means and improvement in Health and Safety with heavy machinery

Industries like Architecture and Graphic Design have changed dramatically with the use of ICT based design packages such as CAD (Computer Aided Design)

Technologies in the Home

Technology in the home has changed dramatically over the last number of years

ICT in the home High Definition Television (HDTV) Mobile Phones MP3 and MP4 players Games Consoles Digital Television

Benefits of Technology in the Home

Technology in the home has many benefits:

We can communicate with family and friends around the world more easily through the use of the internet

We can work from home Home entertainment Other household gadgets are constantly being

updated to make our lives more convenient

What jobs may disappear due to technology?

Factory jobs – these are under threat because of new and emerging technology with machines replacing people

Supermarket cashiers – self-service checkouts are becoming popular

CD retailers / production companies – because of the introduction of downloaded music

Photograph processors – digital photography is more popular

Can you think of anymore?

Recruitment

and

Selection Practices

for

Employment

Life-Long Learning

Life-Long Learning is the idea that our education does not end when we leave school or university

We should continue to learn through our jobs during Staff Training or Development

It encourages employees to continue with their education through university courses such as Masters Degrees and Doctorates

Pros and Cons of Life-Long Learning

Pros

You are constantly evolving and learning new skills

Improve your chances of promotion

Be able to command a better salary

You are able to provide a better service for your customer / client

Improve your self-esteem

Cons

It can be expensive It can be time consuming You could be seen as being

over-qualified for some jobs You may be spending more

time on learning new skills rather than doing your work

Benefits of Staff Training Courses

On-the-job training Expert in your field High quality service Professional Can command a premium for your services Team building Highly skilled work force Encourage new customers

Where can you go for training?

In-house training – when more experienced employees train staff in the workplace

Colleges – local technology colleges Outside agencies may come to your workplace e.g.

health professionals could teach First Aid University – vocational courses are more widely

available and are geared towards specific businesses

‘On the Job’ Training

Benefits

You can earn money while you learn new skills

You can be an expert in your field

You get to practice the new skills you have learned right away

The employer gets the benefit of teaching you how they would like things done

Drawbacks

You may pick up bad habits

With a higher level of education you could earn more money

If you are only trained in one area you could risk having to retrain later if the trade / business is unstable

‘Off the Job’ Training

Benefits

Highly skilled people are there to instruct you

The training can be more focused on your needs and level of expertise

You can receive theoretical training

Can be less stressful because you are out of your work place

Drawbacks

It could be ineffective or unconnected to your actual role in work

It can be slightly fake / artificial

It is more expensive The trainers may not be

fully aware of the conditions under which you work

You will not be working as you train

Effects of Credit Crunch on Northern Ireland

House prices have plummeted leaving home-owners with negative equity (when your mortgage is worth more than your home)

A lot of small businesses have had to close Job losses Public spending has been cut People from Northern Ireland have been affected by the

collapse of companies like FairPak and Travel Companies

Institutes of Further and Higher Education

Students can gain a variety of qualifications for example:

GCSE AS /A2 Level HND Undergraduate Degrees Master Degrees Doctorates

Research options at your local Institutes of Further and Higher Education

Learn Direct

Learn Direct offers a range of business and ICT courses that you can complete online, at home or at work

They are geared towards improving your skills and are modular to suit your needs

You can work at your own pace with the support of Learn Direct

Research some of the courses offered by Learn Direct

Job Centres

Job Centres will help you organise training courses if you need to retrain in another field

The local job centre is linked to Institutes of Further and Higher Education and can point you in the right direction to complete some training

Visit www.jobseekers.direct.gov.uk/ to research the options given by the job centre

Careers Service Northern Ireland

The Careers Service of Northern Ireland provides a range of support for people who are unemployed or those who just want to change career

They provide information on Training and Qualifications, the Labour Market, Job Information and Information for Parents

Visit their website at https://www.careersserviceni.com/Cultures/en-GB/Homepage.htm for further information

Educational Guidance Service for Adults (EGSA)

“EGSA - the Educational Guidance Service for Adults - is a local, independent, not-for-profit, frontline service that aims to connect adults with learning.

EGSA has a network of local offices based across Northern Ireland through which it provides services to adult learners, learning advisers, providers, employers and anyone interested in improving access to learning for adults.”

Visit their website at http://www.egsa.org.uk/

Competencies and Personal Qualities

A good standard of literacy and numeracy

ICT ability Commitment Loyalty Flexibility Reliability

Trustworthy Honesty Disciplined Motivated Hard-Working Co-operative Sociable Organised

Importance of these Qualities

A professional staff leads to a professional business

The employer will want somebody who displays a range of qualities and can deal with customers / clients in a professional manner

The employer will want you to bring attract customers to the business / provide a high quality service

How to Apply for a Job?

Jobs are advertised in: Newspapers Online Job Centre In-store / in-house

You will either have to apply through: Application Form Letter of Application Curriculum Vitae and accompanying letter

Coping with Work and Studying

Plan your time well so that you find a balance between your work and study

De-stress by making time for social activities like going out with friends or physical training

If you are balancing a part-time job with full-time education remember that you need to devote more time to your studying

During exam times you could find out about Study Leave from your job

Working Part-Time and Studying

Positives

You are earning money You will gain some

independence from your parent / guardian

You will feel a sense of achievement

You are learning what it is like to be in a work environment

You will meet new people

Negatives

Finding the time for work Finding the time for study Finding the time for social

activities Balancing work and study

How will an employer test your qualities?

Interview Application Form Letter or Email correspondence Telephone conversation Mini Assessments such as Presentations

and Tests

Interview

During an interview:

An employer may ask you a direct question about your qualities

You could be asked what qualities you would bring to the team

Or you could be asked how you feel you have the right qualities for the post

Their questions will be designed to highlight your skills

Application Form

On the Application Form:

An employer will try to ascertain your qualities and competencies from the information you give

This may be through a section where you highlight your hobbies and interests

This may also be through a section on your experiences / personal statement

There may be a direct question about your qualities and competencies

Letter or Email Correspondence

Through letter or email correspondence

The employer may ask you direct questions about your qualities and competencies

They may ask more indirect questions about your experience, interests and hobbies in order to find out about your personality and work ethic

Presentations and Testing

Through Presentations or Testing

You may be asked to give a presentation using PowerPoint or a Flipchart – this will give the employer a better understanding of your qualities

You may be asked to complete personality testing or aptitude testing to ascertain your qualities and abilities

How can a Careers Teacher help?

Advice about your chosen career path Advice about possible courses at Institutes of

Further and Higher Education Mock Interviews Help with Work Experience Placements Help with Curriculum Vitae (CV) Careers Fairs

The Importance of a Curriculum Vitae (CV)

It is a record of your:

Personal Details Qualifications and Training Experience Interests and Hobbies A Personal Statement References All of this is invaluable information for the employer

What do I include in a CV?

Personal Details – Name, DOB, Address, Phone Numbers, Email Address

Qualifications and Training – either completed or pending

Experience – Work Experience and other Part-time / Full-time employment

Interests and Hobbies A Personal Statement References – Professional (Someone who can comment

on your work / study) and Character (Someone who can comment on your qualities)

Researching a Job

Careers Packages like Odyssey / Pathfinder Carry out research online or at the library Ask your Careers Teacher / Learning for Life and

Work Teacher / Form Teacher Speak to your local Careers Advisor from the

Careers Service of Northern Ireland Find out about courses at Institutes of Further and

Higher Education

How do I draw on personal experience?

You need to be able to:

Link your personal experience to your chosen career For instance, your role as a Captain of the School

Football team will demonstrate that you have good leadership skills

Or, your role part-time job as a till operator will demonstrate that you have experience dealing with customers and money and that you are trustworthy

Importance of Interview Techniques

It is important to prepare for an interview You can do this:

through a mock interview write out some possible questions and how you would answer

them This will help you on the day of the interview It will be obvious to the interviewer that you have taken

the time to practice and that you are really interested in the job

It will also keep you more calm at the interview

Rights and Responsibilities

of

Employers and Employees

Responsibility of the Employer

Salary Career Development Compassionate Leave Holidays Health and Safety Equality Gender Race Disability

Salary

It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure all employs are paid their salary / wage

A employee may be given an annual salary which is then divided equally over twelve months

A wage is when you are paid by the hour and you get a weekly pay cheque

The employer is responsible for ensuring that each employee is paying Income Tax, National Insurance and perhaps a Pension Scheme

Career Development

The employer is responsible for ensuring that the employees are fully trained in the use of all equipment in the work place

They have a responsibility to ensure that all employees receive Health and Safety Training in the workplace to ensure safe practices

Compassionate Leave

An employer is responsible for agreeing Terms and Conditions of Employment including Compassionate Leave

In the UK any employee is entitled to unpaid Compassionate Leave should an emergency arise with a dependent

Dependents include children, spouse / partner / parent / elderly relative

It also includes your right to attend a funeral Some employers will pay staff who are absent from work

for Compassionate Leave

Holidays

The employer has the responsibility to ensure that all employees are allocated annual leave for holidays

This will be agreed in the Contract of Employment This is above and beyond annual Bank Holidays in the

UK and Ireland Your annual holiday entitlement often increases each

year you are working for a company

Health and Safety

The employer has the responsibility to ensure the Health and Safety of all their employees, customers or clients

Health and Safety Training must be taken by each member of staff

Health and Safety signs and instructions must be clearly visible throughout the workplace

Safe Practices must be insisted upon

Equality

The employer has the responsibility to ensure each employee is treated equally

This includes ensuring that employees are not discriminated against on the grounds of their:

Religion Gender Sexual Orientation Age Disability Race

Gender

Many women are still paid less than their male counterparts in the workplace based solely on their gender

This does not follow Equality Legislation The employer has the responsibility to ensure

that employees who carry out the same or similar work in the company should be paid the same salary

Race

The employer also has the responsibility to ensure the equal treatment of people who are not natives of the country

This is reflected in the equality of Pay and Conditions

The employer has the responsibility to ensure that other employees are not discriminating against another member of staff on the grounds of their racial background

Disability

In the UK and Ireland the Employer has the legal responsibility to cater for any employee, customer or client who may have a disability

This includes: Access into the building Disabled Toilets Access between floors Appropriate seating and working conditions

Importance of an Employee Contract

It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that all employees have a Contract of Employment

It is also in your best interest to have a contract as it will protect you legally

A Contract of Employment should include: Information about your Pay Information about your Conditions including: annual holidays;

annual sickness benefit; maternity / paternity leave; etc Period of Notice required Information about over-time

Role of the Trade Union

Trade Unions protect the rights of employees in the workplace

When you start working you should consider joining a Trade Union

If an employee or group of employees are dissatisfied with their pay and conditions they can ask a Trade Union Representative to speak to the employer on their behalf to rectify the situation

Trade Union

Trade Union Members will pay a monthly membership fee

The Trade Union will work as a mediator between Employees and the Employers to ensure that the staff are being treated fairly

If the situation cannot be solved the Trade Union will ask its members to vote on an agreed action

Possible Trade Union Action

Working on a ‘go-slow’ – this is when employees slow down the speed of their work to affect the level of production. This can hold up orders and force the employer to re-negotiate

Working to Rule – this is when employees only carry out tasks that are written in their contract

Short strikes – perhaps a few half-day strikes will be enough to encourage employers to renegotiate

Possible Trade Union Action

An all-out strike – this involves all employees completely stopping work

They will form a Picket Line outside their place of work to draw attention to the fact that their employer is treating them unfairly

Employers don’t like the publicity of a strike and it will seriously damage their reputation

More importantly if staff won’t work there is no money coming into the business

A strike could affect future orders

Conditions during a Strike

Employees do not get paid during half-day strikes or an all-out strike

This can have a serious impact on families / households

This type of strike action is a last resort as it can cause serious stress for employees, depression and financial worries

The Trade Union may use some of the Membership Fees to give strikers a small amount of money

You are not entitled to Government Benefits if you are on strike

Trade Union Membership - Advantages

You are protected by the Trade Union

You will be able to seek advice and support from your Trade Union Representative or from the local office of the Trade Union

The Trade Union are experienced in negotiating with employers

You will have legal protection from the Trade Union

Trade Union Membership - Disadvantages

You may disagree with the strike action but feel pressured into being involved

Loss of salary during all-out or half-day strikes

You may experience depression / stress during times of strike action, especially if you disagree with the action

Loss of productivity in the workplace

You will have to catch up on work when you return after strike action

Responsibilities of the Employee

Loyalty – being loyal to you employer or the company you work for

Honesty – being honest in all your dealings with colleagues / customers

Timekeeping – being on time form work is essential

Responsibilities of the Employee

Meeting Deadlines – you have responsibility for ensuring that your work is completed on time

Health and Safety – you have responsibility to ensure your own safety and that of other employees / customers

Professionalism – you have the responsibility to ensure you are professional in the workplace

What if you don’t meet your responsibilities?

If you fail to meet your responsibility you may face Disciplinary Action which includes:

Verbal Warnings Written Warnings Being forced to retrain in a particular area Dismissal You may be asked to attend counselling as part of the

disciplinary procedures

Rewards for Good Performance

Commission – this is when an employee receives a percentage of the revenue he / she brings into the business through sales

Bonus – employees may get an annual bonus linked to the profits made by the company

Profit-sharing – some businesses sell shares to the employees at a discounted rate to give them ownership of the company

Non-financial Incentives – these can include incentives like Employee of the Month; extra responsibility; recognition in an in-house newsletter or local press; entering staff for external prizes / awards

Social Awareness in Business

To be socially aware is to have a knowledge of the world and the people around us

If a business is socially aware they would employ ethical strategies within the workplace

They may also be involved in local projects and charity work

Social Awareness in Business

They may be involved in charity work e.g. Christmas Family Appeal or donating food for hampers for the elderly

They may be involved in raising money for local schools

For instance some supermarkets run promotions to improve sports equipment and cooking equipment in schools

Environmental Issues

Reducing: by using email instead of ‘snail’ mail within the workplace

Reusing: by purchasing re-usable materials for the workplace

Recycling: by recycling paper, tins, plastic etc

Lowering greenhouse gas emissions: by using energy efficient fuels / machinery

Inner-City Renewal – Effects on Employment

Inner City Renewal means the development of our city centres

This brings jobs in the building industry as well as long term employment in offices and other businesses

It also brings interest from other investors / business people who may wish to establish a business in a well developed / maintained area

Environmental Issues in the Workplace

How to Deal with the Issues

Investigate the issues Train staff in practices geared towards protecting the

environment Offer incentives to staff who are following procedures or

who may have other ideas Ensure machinery / equipment / vehicles are serviced Insulate your premise

Environmental Issues in the Workplace

Does it create jobs?

Jobs in recycling Jobs in collecting

recyclable materials Jobs in manufacturing

goods from waste Sales jobs

Does it attract customers?

Some customers will only use companies that are environmentally aware

It can attract custom Can attract other

businesses to share practices

How does climate change affect business?

Poor weather can seriously affect business – think of the bad winter in 2009/2010

Climate change can lead to natural disasters which can affect business – Volcanic eruption in Iceland 2010 grounded flights indefinitely

Climate change can seriously affect industries like farming and tourism that depend on the weather

Self-Employment - Advantages

You are your own boss You can work when you want You don’t have to answer to a superior You can make the decisions You will be doing something you really feel

passionately about Independence Self-esteem and confidence boost

Self-Employment - Disadvantages

You are fully responsible for the business and staff You may need a lot of motivation to work Everything is your responsibility You may come to dislike the thing you loved It can take over your life – not just 9 to 5 Stress and worry Financial concerns You may not be an expert in all areas of running a

business

Entrepreneurship

An ‘entrepreneur’ is: a person who organizes and manages any business

or enterprise, usually with considerable initiative and risk attached.

There are many characteristics associated with being an entrepreneur

It comes with a lot of responsibility

Characteristics of an Entrepreneur

You need to be: A hard-worker Focussed Motivated Responsible Able to take risks Confident Creative Enthusiastic Flexible Determined to succeed

Able to learn from mistakes Professional Innovative Able to communicate Able to take criticism from

clients / customers / staff A leader A manager

Importance of Market Research

You need to know:

If your product / service will sell If there is a need for your product / service Customer needs Your competition How much you can charge for your product /

service?

Sources of Finance

Bank Loan Investment from other business people European Union Government Invest NI The Prince’s Trust Your own profits

Department for Employment and Learning (DEL)

This is a Government Department which is headed by a Minister from the Executive Committee in Stormont

As the title of the Department suggests they work to ensure that the workforce of Northern Ireland is fully equipped with the necessary skills and qualifications in order that we can improve our economy

Department for Employment and Learning (DEL)

According to their website the four main roles of the Department are: Enhancing the provision of learning and skills, including

entrepreneurship, enterprise, management and leadership Increasing the level of research and development, creativity and

innovation in the Northern Ireland economy Helping individuals to acquire jobs, including self employment,

and improving the linkages between employment programmes and skills development

The development and maintenance of the framework of employment rights and responsibilities

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, Northern Ireland (DETINI);

This is a Government Department which is headed by a Minister from the Executive Committee in Stormont

According to their website the Department: ‘plays a crucial role in formulating and delivering economic

development policy in terms of Enterprise, Social Economy, Innovation, Energy, Telecoms, and Tourism in Northern Ireland.’

They work closely with other governments and businesses around the world to secure investment for Northern Ireland

Invest Northern Ireland

According to their website Invest NI:

Invest Northern Ireland is Northern Ireland’s economic development agency. Our overall goal is to help create wealth for the benefit of the whole community by strengthening the economy and helping it grow.

We do this by supporting business development, helping to increase export levels, attracting high quality inward investment, and stimulating a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation.

They work with businesses and governments at home and abroad to secure investment in Northern Ireland which creates jobs

Invest Northern Ireland

They offer a lot of support for local businesses and entrepreneurs to help us build and sustain a healthy economy

They work in schools across Northern Ireland to educate young people about their work

They run annual competitions and award schemes to encourage us to become involved in the world of business

Enterprise Northern Ireland

Enterprise NI represents Local Enterprise Agencies that work to help small businesses

They work to: ‘Represent the interests of Local Enterprise Agencies with central

government, official agencies, the private sector and other NGOs operating in the enterprise and economic development field

Provide services to ENI members which includes the ENI Joint Purchasing Initiative, a training and development programme

Act as lead contractor on national contracts such as the Go For It Programme, Exploring Enterprise, Social Entrepreneurship Programme, TradeLinks and the Small Business Loan Fund’

For further information check their website

The Prince’s Trust

The Prince’s Trust works with young people between the ages of 14 and 30 who have been in care, long-term unemployment, struggled with school or have been involved in crime

They help them develop their skills through support and training They offer advice, financial support and help young people build

their confidence and self-esteem

The Prince’s Trust helps young people develop their business ideas and make them a reality

Since 1976 The Prince’s Trust have supported more than 600,000 young people