Dragon breathes business flame on Wearside

Local entrepreneurs are to be taught the business skills of TV dragon Peter Jones, after Sunderland College was granted ‘hub’ status by the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy.

The college will introduce new qualifications designed by the Dragon’s Den star which focus on enterprise and entrepreneurship, key skills the Government believes will lead to economic growth.

Angela O’Donoghue, Principal at Sunderland College said: “The Peter Jones Enterprise Academy is a really exciting initiative that teaches business skills in a truly practical sense. These courses will allow students to learn from the very best.

“Students can enrol now for courses starting in September and we expect demand for places to be high as Sunderland College will be only one of 35 centres across the country to offer the courses.”

Previously students from the region would have to travel toManchesterto take the courses that teach the skills needed to start a small business.

Grant Ridley, 20, from Hebburn, now runs his own marketing company after completing the course inManchesterand in 2011 was named BTEC Student of the Year.

He said: “I learnt so much whilst attending the academy, it gave me confidence and direction and helped answer so many of the questions I had about starting my own business.

“The course was so hands on and covered everything from finance, to pitching to marketing, I would really recommend it.

“It’s a great way to encourage young people into business and build their confidence and is great for Sunderland.”

Angela said: “We will be working alongside the BIC (Business Innovation Centre) in Sunderland, which plays host to around 120 small businesses.  Here students will receive support and will have access to premises, facilities and advice to help shape their business plan from their innovation support specialist.

“We want to make it as easy as possible for young entrepreneurs to develop their ideas and help them grow to become fully fledged businesses contributing to the local and national economy.”

Students who complete the course will gain a BTEC Diploma in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship at levels two and three with the level three award equivalent to two A-Levels.

To find out more about the courses and to enrol, or if you’re an employer who would like to get involved, the College is holding an Enterprise open event on Tuesday 27^th March from 5.00pm, for full details visit www.sunderlandcollege.ac.uk/pjea or call 0191 511 6000.