Young Enterprise Northern Ireland
Think Human Fund
Mission & History
With over 25 years of expertise in delivering financial, enterprise, and entrepreneurship education in Northern Ireland, Young Enterprise Northern Ireland is a member of the Junior Achievement network, connecting with policymakers and global experts to enhance educational outcomes.
We empower young people aged 5-25 to develop critical business, financial, and entrepreneurial skills through practical learning experiences. Mentored by business volunteers, these learners engage in real-life business operations, enhancing their employability and inspiring future career paths while fostering essential life skills and building competency. Annually, the charity reaches approximately 100,000 young individuals, preparing them for employment, financial well-being, and entrepreneurship in today’s evolving digital economy.
At a local level, Young Enterprise partners with over 300 education centers to bridge the gap between business and education, benefiting young people directly. The organization collaborates with the business community and private sector to develop innovative initiatives, such as Challenge Biodiversity, ensuring that young people acquire the relevant skills needed in the business world while still in education.
Country Information
Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom, is known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich history. Located on the northeastern part of the island of Ireland, it features a mix of rugged coastlines, rolling green hills, and iconic landmarks such as the Giant’s Causeway and the Mourne Mountains.
Northern Ireland’s past is marked by a unique blend of Irish and British influences, evident in its traditions, festivals, and architecture. Having marked 25 years of peace after ‘The Troubles’, Northern Ireland has developed a diverse economy with growth industries including the knowledge economy and film industry.
The Need
In the post-pandemic landscape, skills training for young new entrants into the workforce in Northern Ireland must adapt to the evolving economy, workplace practices, and industry requirements. A staggering 83% of businesses in NI report experiencing a skills gap, particularly in areas such as digital technologies (including AI), soft skills, entrepreneurial abilities, green skills, and workplace etiquette, especially in virtual settings.
Furthermore, many businesses, particularly micro and small enterprises—which constitute 89% of employers in NI—lack the necessary infrastructure to train new entrants. Employers indicate that young people entering the workforce exhibit diminished soft skills, a trend exacerbated by the pandemic’s impact on their development. An EY report reveals that only 54% of Gen Z respondents believe their education has adequately prepared them for success.
The Project We Fund
Young Enterprise NI is dedicated to empowering young people in Northern Ireland with the skills needed for a successful transition into the workforce. We are excited to launch an innovative online learning programme, ‘YE Potential: Work,’ specifically designed for individuals aged 16-25. This programme will focus on essential workplace skills such as digital literacy, communication, teamwork, resilience, and problem-solving. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between education and employment, equipping young individuals with tools necessary to excel in a competitive job market. This will include video insights from local employers and professionals early in their careers discussing the most valued skills in a post-pandemic workplace.
The programme will be delivered through a series of 30-minute bite-sized learning modules, complete with assessments for a digital badge upon completion. Targeting young people in schools within areas of greatest social need, as determined by the level of free school meals, this initiative seeks to ensure that those who need it most are equipped with relevant skills for their future careers.
The Result
This project demonstrates compassion for young people by addressing the long-term impact the pandemic has had on skills development. Leveraging our expertise in youth-focused learning, we employ micro-learning on digital platforms, which is interactive, mobile-compatible, and designed to provide targeted instruction. The incorporation of low-stakes digital badge assessments reinforces learning and builds confidence among participants. Once established, this method is cost-effective and has the potential to impact over 5,000 learners annually.
Our innovative collaboration with partners from education—comprising 80% of schools and colleges—along with associations from the business sector, such as the NI Chamber of Commerce and the Apprenticeship Society, enhances our programme by providing contextual insights into the skill needs of the Covid generation in the workplace. This broad delivery scale ensures equitable access to quality learning opportunities for young people from diverse backgrounds, fostering social equity and inclusion. Success will be measured through enrolment and completion rates, achievements of digital badges, and feedback regarding workplace readiness, allowing us to evaluate the programme’s effectiveness and impact.
