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JA Programmes

Company Programme

Launched in 1919, our flagship programme the JA Company Programme offers students aged 15-18 the opportunity to learn how to move a business idea from concept to reality. The programme provides teachers with a series of learning-by-doing business, economics and entrepreneurship activities, a great way to help students succeed in a global economy.

Every year, over 360,000 students enrolled in the programme, creating 30,000 mini-companies.

By challenging the students to solve a problem in their community through a business venture, the Company Programme unleashes their entrepreneurial spirit. Students experience running their own company (for one academic year), they discover first-hand how a company functions and gain an insight into how their talents could be used to set up a business.

By bringing business volunteers in the classroom to share their experience and mentor, students get a better overview of career opportunities, what skills are needed to succeed and they start to consider entrepreneurship as a potential career opportunity.

 

Purpose & process

The aim of the JA Company Programme is to enable students to form their own real enterprise and discover first-hand how a company functions. They elect a board of directors from amongst their peers, raise share capital, and market and finance a product or service of their own choice.

At the end of the programme they present a report and accounts to their shareholders.

Students learn to:

  • Raise real finance by selling shares
  • Open and use their own company bank account
  • Carry out market research
  • Work together to create their business plan
  • Develop their own product or service
  • Market and promote their product or service
  • Trade with the public
  • Manage the company finances
  • Take part in trade fairs
  • Compete with other schools in 'company of the year' competitions.
  • Learning outcomes

Students can develop enterprising skills, attitudes and behaviours, including:

  • Creative thinking and problem solving
  • Communication and presentation skills
  • Confidence and a can-do attitude
  • Teamwork and leadership
  • Negotiation and decision making
  • Setting goals and time management
  • Risk management
  • Curricular or thematic relevance

 

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