The Youth Commission was established by the Edge Learner Forum, with the support of The Bulwell Academy sponsors Edge Foundation, and has so far engaged with more than 15,000 young people, senior political figures and leading businesses across three investigations.
The students from Years seven to 11 at The Bulwell Academy were among more than 4,000 young people invited to take part in the latest investigation which looked at ‘how can businesses best develop young people’s talents and skills?’ Over the course of the investigation, the students were polled through face-to-face questionnaires, an online survey and in-school briefing sessions where they acted as youth commissioners interviewing their peers.
Rose Dowling, national director of the Edge Learner Forum, commented: “The students from The Bulwell Academy submitted some great ideas during the investigation and were a real inspiration to their peers. One of their suggestions – of holding a local business ‘takeover’ scheme – even made it through to be one of the five new strategies put forward in our final report.”
All the feedback and comments have now been included in the Youth Commission: Uniting Young People and Business report which is being sent out to businesses around the country, ministers in the education and business departments and other key stakeholders.
Alison Bingham, director of business and enterprise at The Bulwell Academy, commented: “Taking part in the Youth Commission investigation gave our students a huge confidence boost. By asking them to speak to their peers and share their ideas with them it helped them realise their opinions are really valued.”
The Bulwell Academy opened in September 2009 and specialises in business and enterprise skills development. The students will move into the new state-of-the-art academy building on Hucknall Lane in Bulwell at the start of the new term in September 2010.
For further information on the Youth Commission visit the website at www.edgelearnerforum.co.uk or for details on The Bulwell Academy, visit www.bulwellacademy.co.uk.
