Young minds have had the opportunity to hone their entrepreneurial skills this week, with more than 100 Hume secondary school students taking part in the illuminate:nextgen Challenge.
The challenge is a week-long intensive program that gives local year 9 and 10 students the opportunity to experience first-hand what it takes to be an entrepreneur, plus enhance their innovation and problem-solving skills.
Mayor of Hume, Councillor Carly Moore said the illuminate:nextgen Challenge is a great opportunity for young people to be inspired by the local business community, while learning skills that will last a lifetime.
“In Hume, we are dedicated to finding new and engaging ways to help our young people put their very best foot forward, as they pursue their chosen career paths,” Cr Moore said.
“The aim of the week is to inspire young people and support them to come up with new ideas that drive change.
“This year’s challenge will see students design a business solution that supports or promotes one or more of the aims of the United Nations Future Earth initiative.”
The students will learn about all aspects of business, including strategic planning, finance, marketing and pitching an idea. Mentoring and advice from industry leaders and business people is also available so students can present a realistic business case in just five days.
The illuminate:nextgen Challenge will be held at the Hume Global Learning Centre – Craigieburn from Monday 26 August to Friday 30 August.
Over the week participants will be inspired and guided by local business leaders and Hume and illuminate partners including:
- CEO, Enable IT, Julie McKay
- Director SAGE Consulting and President Sunbury Business Association, Michael Osborne
- Deakin University
- Chartered Accountants Australia, New Zealand
Participating schools include: Kolbe Catholic College, Illim College, Sirius College, Hume Anglican Grammar, Aitken College, Craigieburn Secondary College and Mount Ridley College.
Cr Moore said the illuminate:nextgen Challenge was being delivered as part of a suite of Hume Multiversity programs, which provided the community with access to local tertiary and working opportunities.
“Programs such as illuminate:nextgen Challenge help young students develop the skills they need to develop professionally,” Cr Moore added.
“This feeds into our recently re-launched Hume Multiversity program, which focuses on connecting residents with the qualifications and experience being sought by Hume businesses and industries; as well as helping to address some of the barriers to employment faced by our residents.”
