Company Programme
Today, young people need to be more adaptable than ever before. They need to be prepared to change career direction in response to opportunity and to learn new skills throughout their working lives. In other words they need to be enterprising. Junior Achievement's Company Programme gives hundreds of students each year the opportunity to prepare for their working life through the experience of running their own company, supported by volunteer advisers from business.
Students aged 15 to 19, normally in Year 12, set up and run their company over the course of one academic year. They elect a board of directors from amongst their peers, raise share capital, develop, market and finance a product or service of their choice. At the end of the year they present a report and accounts to their shareholders. Students gain experience of the real world, taking responsibility and being accountable to their shareholders for the running of the business. Companies from all over the Island compete in the National Finals to select the company that will represent the Isle of Man at the European Company of the Year Competition.
As a result of running a Junior Achievement Company, students gain:
- an understanding of how a business works and how wealth and employment are created
- the ability to work in a team
- improved communication skills
- more enthusiasm and self confidence
- a willingness to take responsibility and initiative
- time management skills
- experience of key business functions such as marketing, financial management, sales, customer care and personnel management
During their year of trading, JA Companies have the opportunity to participate in trade fairs where they can sell their products, market their services and so boost their sales and experience.
International Junior Achievement Company trading is also supported through International Links. This allows JA Isle of Man companies to partner with student companies overseas and forge international links in order to share ideas and experiences, arrange trade fair exchange visits, or trade with their partner company.
