FINDING people with the right business and enterprise skills is essential to the prosperity of the economy.

And it is vital that the next generation of business leaders starts to develop these skills as early as possible.

A recent Government review of enterprise in education gives Basingstoke schools, in association with the Basingstoke Consortium, the chance to lead the field nationally with a project that will see specially recruited Year 10 students take part in a new concept of work experience - enterprise placements.

Enterprise placements are unpaid two-week management level placements in local companies for specially recruited students, during which they will get a taste of how successful businesses operate.

Students will: See business in operation at first-hand

Experience some of the different elements that contribute to a successful business, such as product, finance, marketing etc

Begin to grasp the relevance and importance of the economy and wider world of business.

There are also real benefits for employers who participate in this exciting and innovative project. Students taking up these placements will be some of the most talented young people in the borough and are keen to contribute as much as they can to their host company while on placement.

Furthermore, mentoring these students can provide good development opportunities for staff in the company.

An annual borough-wide awards event is planned at which employers will be recognised for their contribution to the community through this project.

Karen Campbell, enterprise project manager at the Basingstoke Consortium, said: "Enterprise placements give students the opportunity to experience how a successful company runs. This can be at the cutting edge of a small to medium-sized organisation, or at management level in a large corporation.

"We are looking for successful business people to work with us to provide world-class placements which will inspire talented students to consider an entrepreneurial future, or develop their management potential."

If you would like a meeting with the enterprise project manager to explore the possibility of taking part in this project, contact Karen Campbell at Basingstoke Consortium on 01256 840710 or e-mail enterprise@bas-consort.org.uk