The Institute of Export (IOE) is spearheading a ground-breaking programme to equip 10,000 youngsters with the skills to build careers in international trade and enterprise.

‘Let’s take exporting seriously’ workshops will be rolled out in schools, colleges, universities and youth groups across the country throughout 2014 and 2015 following three recent successful pilots in London.

Children as young as eight are key to the IOE’s ambitious plans to help boost the UK economy and reduce unemployment in the 16-24 age group by embedding greater awareness of job opportunities in exporting and global trade.

Lesley Batchelor, Director General of The IOE, explained: “Ensuring an understanding of – and embedding professionalism in international trade – from an early age by engaging with young people can help channel them into careers in exporting which will continue to drive job creation and boost the economy.

“It has never been more critical for Britain to match the level of commitment to professionalism in international trade, training and education made by our European and worldwide counterparts. We can achieve this by helping young people identify and focus on appropriate skills for rewarding jobs in a worldwide market.”

Experts with international business experience will run workshops tailored to suit different ages from eight to 18 with a focus on wealth creation, new business start-ups and employment opportunities within the UK and overseas.

Tony Cruttenden, Manager – International Trade & Enterprise, who is spearheading the initiative, said: “The British brand is well respected around the globe. However, we need to offer more products and services in order to reduce the trade gap between the UK and the rest of the world and to do that we must motivate young people in two way trade.

“Our next step to move this ground breaking initiative forward is to find investors to help with funding, resources and volunteering to take part in the workshops.”

Groups of between 30 and 60 students at three schools – Woodside High School, Wood Green, Leyton Sixth Form College, Leyton and St John’s Prepatory School, Enfield – recently took part in pilots.

For further information about the scheme or if you can assist in any way, please contact Tony Cruttenden on 07999 488 076 tonyc@export.org.uk  or Lesley Batchelor on 07774264725 Lesley@export.org.uk