Entrepreneurial Spirit Strong for Fife's Future

Wednesday 12 June 2019

Entrepreneurial spirit is growing in strength across Fife due to the evolving partnership between Fife College and Fife Council Economic Development. A collaboration between Fife College and Fife Council Economic Development is creating a challenging pathway of initiatives that are developing students’ enterprising skills and supporting entrepreneurial growth across Fife. Fife Council Economic Development’s Culture of EnterpriseTM Framework already supports enterprise skill development in primary and secondary schools and the college partnership is now extending that pathway by creating opportunities for college students to get real life, practical experience of being entrepreneurial that extends beyond studies to support the creation of vibrant new businesses. From creative thinking to business planning, every aspect of the entrepreneurial journey is touched on as pupils and students contextualise their studies. A recent Fife College Enterprise conference saw students challenged to think outside the box, be innovative and raise their aspirations whilst engaging with local businesses that have chosen an entrepreneurial path. Future events have already been planned to continue the enterprise journey providing challenging resources and activities to young people. Pamela Stevenson, Lead Officer, Enterprise and Business Development at Fife Council, said: “Providing pupils and students with an opportunity to develop their enterprising skills is vital to growing an entrepreneurial economy in Fife. The local economy thrives on small and medium-sized enterprises and through this collaborative approach, which also includes the provision of Business Gateway Fife services, we ensure appropriate guidance is available at the right time enabling students to take formative steps to creating their own business.” Director of Business, Enterprise and Tourism at Fife College, Bryan McCabe-Bell, commented:“All students from Fife College will benefit from this Fife College student, Susan Findlay with an example of some of her work partnership, no matter what subject they are studying. Whether its business and enterprise, construction or gaming, there are opportunities for all students. Developing enterpriseand entrepreneurial thinking helps students to gain the skills employers want as well as confidence to start their own business.” Fife College, in collaboration with Fife Council’s Culture of Enterprise™ Programme, is also supporting young people with 3D printing, a process which is predicted to revolutionise the world of production. An eight-week programme has been created for primary six and seven pupils and features sessions from the College about the breakdown of a 3D shape, photogrammetry, virtual reality, an understanding of the software used to create a 3D object, and then use of a 3D printer, provided by Fife Council’s Economic Development Team. Councillor Altany Craik, Convener – Economy, Tourism, Strategic Planning and Transportation Committee, said: “Partnerships such as this show the dynamic thinking in Fife at the moment. Working together ensures a streamlined service which is easy to navigate and supports the people of Fife fulfil their ambition and contribute to a thriving community and economy.”