BUSINESSES are being warned that Burnley's Young Enterprise student company scheme could be under threat next year, unless it receives their backing.

It has been revealed that the local scheme was only able to go ahead this year after Granville Technology, Time Computers, of Simonstone, added their backing.

Only four out of the eight high schools take part and co-ordinator Sam Wellington said she would like to see more schools getting involved.

Last year, Prestige provided advisers for Barden High School, but the company closed in January. Walshaw's team was backed by Michelin, who pulled out of the scheme this year.

Sam has been involved with the scheme for six years as a volunteer organising training sessions, the Christmas trade fair, final presentation evening and contacts with companies. She said: "We are funded on a matched basis from the East Lancashire Training and Enterprise Council and they equal the money we receive from businesses, so without companies there is no scheme.

"It is hard to get companies on board because they say they can't really afford to devote people's time to it but the students get so much from the scheme.

"My father's company, Norman Wellington Associates and myself are the advisers for Walshaw High, but we could really do with another company to help out.

"I think the children from the other schools who are not taking part are really missing, because the scheme helps them work as a team and earns them a certificate recognised by employers and it helps the gifted and less able pupils.

"Some of the students who are not straight A's turn out to be born leaders with flair and drive."

Sam is prepared to visit companies interested in joining the scheme and will organise a formal presentation if enough interest is shown.

The young enterprise scheme is a national challenge which was set up 1965.

Pupils from Walshaw, St Hilda's, St Theodore's and Barden get the chance to take part, run their own company, make a product, sell shares and present a final company report.

Anyone interested can contact Sam on 0836 228859.

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