Young Chamber UK (YCUK) is celebrating a major landmark after securing the involvement of 260 schools in England - more than four times the number involved two years ago.
Now YCUK is planning to have Young Chambers in place at more than 2,000 schools by 2014, and is in discussions with the Scottish Executive and Welsh Assembly to spread the message to their schools, too.
YCUK aims to bring the worlds of education and business together, utilising the Chamber of Commerce network, developing pupils to leave education with an understanding of the business world.
The concept was born on the Isle of Wight in 2001, and the first pilot scheme was established two years later. The idea gathered momentum, and in 2007 the Government recognised its benefits to the national economy, and awarded the funding that has fuelled its growth. A year later, 145 Young Chambers were established across the country, and that number has now increased to 260 - 60 more than the target set by the Government.
YCUK chief executive Kevin Smith said: "The numbers are impressive, but the real significance is in the difference Young Chamber is making to people's lives, through the opportunities provided by the Young Chamber councils all over the country, helping young people achieve their potential by making informed decisions about their future careers."
Around 120,000 students took part in Young Chamber activities during the 2008/9 academic year, and they were supported by 4,000 businesses, whose employees contributed 22,000 working hours.
Mr Smith said: "The young people, the schools and the businesses who benefit from Young Chamber are living proof of just what can be achieved, no matter what the economic conditions. It's a powerful message at a time when the country is seeking sustainable solutions for the development of a strong economy.
"We are pleased with the progress that we have made in such a short space of time, and proud to be playing a significant part in helping young people drive the UK's future economic development."
Neville Reyner CBE DL, chairman of YCUK and president of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: "There is a vital need for young people to be aware of and understand the important value of business and its contribution to economic prosperity of the UK. UK business drives the income line that pays the country's costs. Businesses large and small are major investors in employment and also are a major link in terms of enterprise and entrepreneurship, something that young people should be at ease with as a future career option".
"I firmly believe that Young Chamber is a key interface in making these things happen and it's quite a responsibility as I see it".
"We are pleased with the progress that Young Chamber has made in such a short space of time and proud to be playing a significant part in helping young people to be the driving force of future UK economic development".
"The expansion of Young Chamber is a success story and we should all celebrate the good work that is being done around the country - work which yields benefits for students and businesses, and of course the national economy"
Site: http://www.youngchamber.com
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