Young people look forward to a bright future

A recent workshop entitled ‘Meet Your Future’ saw a group of young potential entrepreneurs get help and advice from successful local business owners.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Mar 2014, 05:00 BST
Guest speaker Gerry Faloona, Victoria Moore from the Dunanney Centre, Vanessa Postle, NBC Economic Development Officer, and Tamsin Evans from Mallusk Enterprise Park with some of the young people who participated in the Meet Your Future workshop.Guest speaker Gerry Faloona, Victoria Moore from the Dunanney Centre, Vanessa Postle, NBC Economic Development Officer, and Tamsin Evans from Mallusk Enterprise Park with some of the young people who participated in the Meet Your Future workshop.
Guest speaker Gerry Faloona, Victoria Moore from the Dunanney Centre, Vanessa Postle, NBC Economic Development Officer, and Tamsin Evans from Mallusk Enterprise Park with some of the young people who participated in the Meet Your Future workshop.

The event, which was hosted by Mallusk Enterprise Park, kick-started a series of events in the ‘We’re the Business’ social economy project.

The innovative pilot project, funded by Newtownabbey Borough Council and Department for Social Development, provides 18-24 year olds with hands-on training, support and work experience in setting up and running their own social enterprise business.

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Event organiser Melanie Humphrey, Chief Executive of Mallusk Enterprise Park, explained: “The event enabled the young people to meet local entrepreneurs and be inspired about their own businesses as a real alternative to the current problem of youth unemployment. The highlight of the day was a motivational talk by Gerry Faloona, past presenter of ITV’s RPM motorsport programme and quarter-finalist on BBC’s Masterchef.

His infectious appetite for business, matched by his phenomenal work rate and experiences, stimulated lots of discussion and debate. Hopefully the young people will be able to apply it to their own lives, with a fresh perspective and make good decisions about their own futures.”

Vicky Moore, Manager of the Dunanney Centre in Rathcoole added: “We are looking forward to seeing the results of this project which empowers young people whilst giving them a chance to choose a career that not only supports them, but will also positively impact their local community and their chances of a better future.”

The We’re the Business project, which runs until March 2015, is open to all unemployed 18-24 year olds throughout Newtownabbey, and some places are still available.

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Young people who complete the course will receive a City and Guilds enterprise qualification through the Northern Regional College.

For further information contact Magz Gibney, Project Co-Ordinator, on 028 9086 1941 or email [email protected]

For more information about the council’s economic development activities and programmes, contact Vanessa Postle on 028 9034 0073 or email [email protected]

Related topics:Newtownabbey Borough CouncilBBCITV