The START programme, a project-based learning initiative, has been making waves in the education sector by providing final year school students with a unique opportunity to explore the world of entrepreneurship and design. Founded by the High School of Glasgow, this innovative programme aims to equip young minds with the skills, knowledge, and mindset required to succeed in the business world.
START is a project-based learning programme for final year school students that attempts to harness the tools and mindsets of design, entrepreneurship and storytelling to bring the experience of participating in a startup to Scottish schools.
It was launched by the High School of Glasgow and is set to expand to more than 12 schools later this year.
Through the START programme, students are given the chance to work on real-world projects, develop their problem-solving skills, and learn from experienced entrepreneurs. The programme also provides an opportunity for students to network with industry experts and gain valuable insights into the business world.
“Going back to school has been one of the most energising experiences of my career. The ideas, energy and ambition these young people brought to the table were incredible.” — Danny Campbell, Founder of HOKO
Danny Campbell, a 33-year-old architect, has been involved with the START programme and has witnessed firsthand the impact it has on young minds. He has seen two students from the programme secure internships at his firm, HOKO, and is now hoping to inspire others to get involved.
START has witnessed the programme igniting entrepreneurial ambition in school leavers with 98% of this year’s cohort saying that participating in START has encouraged them to consider starting a business in the future.
A huge part of the confidence instilled in pupils is thanks to exposure to founders via the mentoring aspect of the programme.
The START programme has also received praise from industry experts, who have witnessed the impact it has on young minds. Phil Ford, the founder of START, has said that the programme is all about inspiring the next generation of business leaders and innovators.
“START is all about inspiring the next generation of business leaders and innovators. It encourages young people to draw on their own experiences and passions to identify real-world problems and to then solve them by creating new products or services which they pitch in a ‘pre-seed investment round’ to industry experts.” — Phil Ford, Founder of START
The START programme has been a resounding success, with 98% of this year’s cohort saying that participating in START has encouraged them to consider starting a business in the future. The programme has also provided an opportunity for students to network with industry experts and gain valuable insights into the business world.
Benefits of the START programme
Confidence
Exposure to founders via the mentoring aspect of the programme
Entrepreneurial ambition
98% of this year’s cohort say that participating in START has encouraged them to consider starting a business in the future
Networking opportunities
Students get to network with industry experts and gain valuable insights into the business world
As business leaders, we have something to offer. We have something to gain too. A half-day spent mentoring could change someone’s life. But it could also spark something in you.” — Danny Campbell
Danny Campbell, a 33-year-old architect, has seen firsthand the impact of the START programme on young minds. He has witnessed two students from the programme secure internships at his firm, HOKO, and is now hoping to inspire others to get involved. “The team at John Paul Academy completely threw themselves into the challenge. I’m excited to have one of them join HOKO this summer — they really earned it.”
Mr Campbell added: “The team at John Paul Academy completely threw themselves into the challenge. I’m excited to have one of them join HOKO this summer — they really earned it. They were sharp, motivated, full of ideas, and I’ve no doubt they’ll bring something new to the team. “We often talk about building future talent pipelines — this is how you do it. You open the door earlier. You build relationships that last. You give people a chance.”
Mr Campbell emphasized the importance of creating more routes to success for young people, rather than just focusing on traditional education paths. “Not everyone’s path will be university. And that’s OK. We need a landscape where young people see multiple routes to success — whether that’s higher education, apprenticeships, starting their own thing or joining a growing business to get real-world experience.”
As a dad of three young boys, Mr. Campbell is actively encouraging an entrepreneurial mindset in his children. “As a dad, their futures and education is something I think about a lot, and I am actively encouraging an entrepreneurial mindset already.”
The START programme is a testament to the power of innovative education initiatives in shaping the next generation of business leaders and innovators. By providing young people with the skills, knowledge, and mindset required to succeed in the business world, the START programme is helping to unlock the potential of young entrepreneurs. “A half-day spent mentoring could change someone’s life. But it could also spark something in you.”
As business leaders, we have something to offer. We have something to gain too. By getting involved with the START programme, we can help shape the next generation of business leaders and innovators, and unlock the potential of young entrepreneurs.
