An innovative Entrepreneur Skills Challenge which helps prepare students for the transition from education to employment will be extended, thanks to new funding.
Funded under the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), and developed through collaboration with the Safer Langley partnership, this interactive, game-based learning experience provided students at Langley College with a unique opportunity to learn new skills earlier this year.
Led by behavioural specialists Lime, the sessions enabled students from business skills, IT and hairdressing courses to take part in a structured digital simulation. They worked through key business decision-making stages, including setting up a virtual enterprise, testing business strategies and approaches, trading, and making real-world decisions in response to market conditions. Learners also navigated new challenges and opportunities and took part in discussions on problem-solving, adaptability, and resilience.
Councillor Puja Bedi, lead member Children’s Services and Lifelong Learning, said: “This project offers a unique perspective for students and enables them to build key business skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving and financial literacy.
“This supports our commitment to skills development, innovation and business growth and ensures students develop the skills they need for future careers.
“It is an exciting and interactive approach, and with the funding extension, we hope it inspires more young people and encourages them to think big and maybe start up a business of their own one day.”
The pilot project was an extension of the Choices Programme, which has been running in Slough schools for the last five years and has helped thousands of young people develop critical thinking and decision-making capabilities, funded through the Safer Slough Partnership with Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner funding.
Following the success of the pilot, Lime has now secured further UKSPF funding to scale the programme across Slough. This next phase will see the Entrepreneur Skills Challenge delivered in multiple schools and colleges, giving hundreds more young people access to this unique, game-based learning opportunity. The expansion demonstrates how early innovation is being recognised and invested in as a model that not only builds employability skills but also connects education with the needs of local businesses and the wider economy.
Mark Ashfield, Founder and CEO of Lime, said: “We are thrilled to be able to build on the success of the Langley pilot and bring this programme to even more schools and colleges across Slough. At Lime, we are passionate about equipping young people with the skills and capabilities that are so critical to success in life and work. This investment allows us to expand our reach and support even more learners to grow in confidence, resilience, and ambition as they prepare for their futures.”