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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has announced its continued commitment to supporting young people by partnering with Young Enterprise Northern Ireland on the Building Aspirations Programme. Backed by funding from the Council, Go Succeed and the James Kane Foundation, this initiative will enable thousands of young people across the district to develop vital skills in entrepreneurship, financial management and work readiness.
More than 3,000 post-primary pupils from schools throughout Newry, Mourne and Down will take part in a series of interactive and engaging learning experiences. Delivered by Young Enterprise Northern Ireland, the programme encourages participants to manage money wisely, explore potential career pathways and gain first-hand business experience by creating and running their own enterprises.
The Building Aspirations Programme aligns closely with the Council’s wider efforts to enhance opportunities for young people through initiatives such as Go Succeed and the Labour Market Partnership. These programmes share a common goal: to strengthen employability, inspire innovation and nurture a new generation of confident, capable entrepreneurs across the district.
Councillor Philip Campbell, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, expressed pride in the collaboration, noting: “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.”
Cllr 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.”
Carol Fitzsimons MBE, Chief Executive of Young Enterprise Northern Ireland, welcomed the partnership, saying, “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 and Sixth Form College in Ballynahinch recently met with representatives from the Council and Young Enterprise NI to learn more about how the Building Aspirations Programme can help them develop practical business and employability skills.
Through this collaboration, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council continues to invest in the future of its young people, ensuring they are equipped with the skills, confidence and ambition to succeed in a changing world.
For further information about the programme, visit www.yeni.co.uk.
