A group of 6th year pupils at Carrongrange High School scooped ‘Company of the Year’ at the brand new Young Enterprise Scottish ‘Team Programme’ Awards

The pupils set up their own business ‘Burn Unlimited’ in 2021.  Using a laser cutter in the school, the team created their own wooden Christmas decorations and gifts which were extremely popular within the local community and with orders for their products coming from France and Sweden!

The new Scottish educational initiative ‘Team Programme’ is helping young people with additional support needs be aware of their talents and the future work opportunities available to them. It’s aimed at 5th and 6th year pupils and is designed to support and prepare youngsters for the world of work.

Their hard work was noted with them not only winning ‘Company of the Year’ at the Scottish finals but also coming runners up in the UK final.

Janine Proudlock, Head Teacher at Carrongrange said: “This is the first year Carrongrange has been able to participate thanks to the introduction of the new Youth Enterprise Scotland teams programme specifically designed for ASN pupils.

“They put in so much hard work throughout the year to start up their own business. They created high quality goods that they sold around the school but quickly expanded by selling the products in the school Christmas catalogue which sold all over Scotland and Europe.

“The pupils worked hard on their business skills learning in a real life context developing, numeracy, communication, problem solving and resilience along the way. Throughout the session they sold over £800 of products and they donated their profit to charity, the school fund and future Youth Enterprise teams, as well as rewarding themselves with a celebration event and a small wage. 

“Their hard work was noted with them not only winning Company of the Year the Scottish finals but also coming second in the UK.  The life skills they have developed will hopefully serve them in good stead for the future and I am immensely proud of them all.”