EDUCATION Secretary, Michael Russell, will welcome the launch of the Stow College Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning today (28.02.13)
The Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning seeks to encourage local businesses to become involved and work with Stow College to help deliver and support a new generation of enterprising students who will help re-energise Glasgow’s economic prosperity
Robert McGrory, chief executive and Principal of Stow College, said: “Within the current economic climate, is it vital to invest in a new generation of entrepreneurs who can add value to communities, bring innovation to existing businesses and who can create their own businesses and employment.
“It is imperative for economic recovery that we encourage and develop an enterprise and entrepreneurial mind-set in our learners.
“This requires a different kind of learning, one that ensures that our learners have real-world learning experiences, and are equipped with the skills and attitudes to effectively participate in the world of work.”
Stow College has already started transforming the learner experience and enhancing the entrepreneurial culture within the college through the introduction of national enterprise competitions and projects as well as the establishment of Scotland’s first Peter Jones Enterprise Academy.
Michael Russell, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “This is another string in the bow of Stow College. This institution has long had a history of excellence and innovation, and by making a direct link to key local businesses, is ensuring that its students can draw upon a range of experience to take their first steps into the world of business and enterprise.
“This is a good example of a college taking an innovative approach to ensuring that once its students move on to pastures new, they have the right skills to make a full contribution to Scotland’s sustainable economic growth.”
Added a spokesperson: “Stow College is the only Scottish member of The Gazelle Colleges Group, an alliance of 19 colleges committed to transforming the curriculum to encourage an entrepreneurial mindset in their students, and the launch of its Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning also marks the Scottish launch of Gazelle Local, an organisation committed to combining the exceptional experience of entrepreneurs who have succeeded in business with leaders in the further education and wider public sector.
“‘Gazelles’ are dynamic, fast-growth young businesses, making the greatest impact on growth, wealth creation and employment opportunities in Britain.”
Mr McGrory continued: “Gazelle Local will help create a new generation of social and commercial entrepreneurs who can create new businesses and employment, bring innovation to existing businesses or bring innovation to social enterprises and communities.”
Other speakers at the launch of Stow College’s Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning are:
- Robin Millar CBE, one of Britain’s most successful-ever record producers, an academic, a coach and mentor to FTSE business leaders and a trustee of Creative & Cultural Skills UK;
- Fintan Donohue, chief executive of Gazelle Global, which formed The Gazelle Colleges Group, an alliance of colleges committed to transforming the curriculum to encourage an entrepreneurial mindset in their students;
- Harry Cunningham, regional education officer, TUC Education in Scotland, who will talk about partnership working and the Collective Learning Agreement Stow has with trade unions, employers and the Scottish Government;
- Calum Graham, chief executive of Glasgow Regeneration Agency, who will speak about partnership working and enterprise; and
- Grahame Smith of AV9, a digital music company based at the college’s istart@Stow incubator hub which works with major and independent record labels, leading edge digital technology developers and other music businesses to create a fresh approach to online music marketing and distribution.
Around 150 businesses will be present at the launch event, including representatives from RBS, Glasgow Regeneration Agency and Entrepreneurial Spark. The event will feature musical performances from some Stow students, as well as this year’s Stow College’s Electric Honey signing Harry and The Hendersons, whilst its sound production students will produce the sound for the evening.
ENDS
For further information please contact Susan Christie at Liquorice Media tel 0141 561 4018
Issued on behalf of Stow College by Liquorice Media tel 0141 561 4018 www.liquorice-media.com
Date 28th February 2013.
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