Young people set to benefit from a new approach to work related and enterprise learning from E4A.

Teams of young people from all High Schools in Blackburn with Darwen will take part in the unique Ritherdon Enterprising Innovations Challenge event to be held on Friday 3rd November 2006 at Witton City Learning Centre in Blackburn.

Thanks to the Waddington-based E4A Limited organisation, more than 70 young people in the age range 14 -19 from all 9 High Schools in Blackburn with Darwen are set to benefit from the unique opportunity to tackle a real live business challenge at the Ritherdon Enterprising Innovations Challenge event on 3rd November. On the day teams of 8 students from each High School will work on a real innovation challenge developed by E4A in conjunction with Darwen-based metal box manufacturer, Ritherdon & Co Ltd. The Enterprise Challenge will be run in conjunction with Darwen Vale High School which has recently been awarded Engineering College status. 

Peter Dickinson, a Director of E4A explains how the event has been developed. He says, “We have worked closely with Ritherdon Ltd to produce a real engineering and marketing challenge for the students to work on. Each team will look at the Ritherdon products, research their competitors’ products world wide, and recommend new products that Ritherdon can launch to expand their sales this year. The Managing Director, Howard Ritherdon, will be one of the judges. The winning team will be able to work with Ritherdon management to see their recommendations put into action.

Blackburn with Darwen Council will sponsor this unique partnership event between schools and local industry as it not only helps meet the Government’s targets for enterprise education in schools but also channels the students’ creativity into helping to contribute to local industry growth.

E4A is a leading provider of Enterprise Challenge days in the UK. The company streams Business Challenges into schools through the Internet and supports the students’ teamwork with their own trained Business Mentors on the Challenge Day.

With backgrounds in senior positions in industry and commerce including ICI, HP, British Gas and Business Link, E4A personnel have also worked as Enterprise Advisors in schools. This developed their understanding of what is required to help students grasp the principles behind enterprise and to develop skills relevant to future employment. Peter says, “As in business, the students work in teams, learn about working together to achieve an objective against tight time constraints and at the same time are encouraged to enjoy the experience and have fun.

E4A Ltd, PO Box 135, Waddington, Clitheroe. BB7 0AJ
Registered No: 5536957. Registered Office as above.
Tel: 0845 054 2552, Fax: 0845 051 9378
Email: enquiries@e4a.org.uk