Hyundai's ‘Skills for the Future’ Initiative

Six schools from across the UK are currently working with Hyundai on business ideas as part of ‘Skills for the Future’ programme – a pan-European initiative for young people

Each business will compete for the ‘Best Business Enterprise’ title that will be announced at Hyundai Motor UK’s Training Academy on 27 April, 2015

Winning team will go on to compete in the European ‘Skills for the Future’ final, due to take place in Prague, Czech Republic between 8-10 June, 2015

HIGH WYCOMBE, UK -- February 23, 2015: Six groups of students from schools across the UK have been working with Hyundai Motor UK to set-up their own businesses through the company’s ‘Skills for the Future’ initiative.

The schools involved are: Highcrest Academy, High Wycombe; John Colet School, Aylesbury; Ysgol Gyfyn Gymraeg Llangynwyd, Bridgend; Holmer Green Senior School, High Wycombe; St. John Fisher Catholic High School, Harrogate and Cirencester College, Cirencester. For each school, a team of between eight and 11 pupils between the ages of 14 and 17 have come together to form a business.

All businesses have been developing a new product or service that has a connection to the car industry and its needs. With the help of a link teacher and a mentor from Hyundai Motor UK, the students are working on plans to raise capital, manufacture, market and sell their new proposition.

On the 27 April, each business will come together at Hyundai Motor UK’s Training Academy in High Wycombe to compete for the title of ‘Best Business Enterprise’. All teams will pitch their business ideas to Hyundai’s Board Executives who will select an overall winner. The winning business will go through to the European finals that will take place in Prague, Czech Republic between the 8-10th June. Here, each successful business from participating countries across Europe will pitch their ideas to a panel of judges from Hyundai Motor Europe, JA-YE, and industry experts.

The winning team will hold the title of ‘Best Skills for the Future Student Company in Europe’, and will receive invaluable practical training throughout the competition, ultimately enhancing employability and work readiness.

Tony Whitehorn, CEO of Hyundai Motor UK, commented: “Hyundai Motor UK is inspiring the next generation of budding entrepreneurs across the country and helping them to reach their potential.

Hyundai’s Skills for the Future programme is an excellent way to help increase the employability skills and entrepreneurial spirit of students, not just here in Britain, but also across Europe.

We are committed to investing time and resource into ensuring that young people are ready to compete in today’s highly competitive job market.”

Byung Kwon Rhim, President of Hyundai Motor Europe, said: “We are committed to helping drive economic growth in Europe, and by investing in the business leaders of tomorrow we are contributing to a more prosperous future.”