This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Enterprise centre opens in Inverclyde
15/03/2004
A school-based learning and enterprise centre in Port Glasgow backed by the Executive and major local employers was officially opened today.
St Stephen's Enterprise Centre uses IT facilities to provide a 'virtual work experience' programme for all S2 pupils at St Stephen's and Port Glasgow High Schools.
It also provides skills and training support for Port Glasgow residents to help them find employment.
The Centre is a partnership between the public and private sectors, led by Inverclyde Council. Funding has come through a range of organisations including the Executive, the EU, the enterprise networks, and local businesses National Semiconductor, T-Mobile and IBM.
Deputy First MInister Jim Wallace said:
"We need to use the flexibility in the school curriculum to ensure it is engaging and relevant for all pupils, particularly those who may be underachieving. Giving young people enterprise experience can help them to succeed - at school and in the workplace.
"The Centre's week-long virtual work experience programme is designed to raise pupil expectations and encourage greater understanding of work - through simulating different business tasks followed by a presentation to the school's senior management team. Pupils can also take advantage of support for enterprise activities out of school hours.
"This fits well with our Determined to Succeed strategy for Enterprise in Education, which aims to generate enthusiasm for business and enterprise, and build up the confidence and creativity of individuals. Business engagement is critical to its success, which is why I am so pleased to see local employers in Inverclyde taking such an interest in this initiative.
"Just as importantly, St Stephen's is there as a vital learning resource for the wider community, helping people move on into employment or full-time education."
The £350,000 St Stephen's Enterprise Centre is a state-of-the-art learning resource that includes a 'pod' room with 24 interactive computer workstations and multi-media training facilities.
The FLaT programme supports schools and local authorities to create a learning and teaching environment for the future which is sensitive to individual needs, promotes attainment and tackles barriers to learning. The programme currently supports 25 projects across Scotland. Further information is available at www.flatprojects.org.uk
The Executive has allocated £40 million to support the Determined to Succeed strategy forEnterprisein Education.