HIGH-flying youngsters at Elton High School were given a grounding in vital business skills when it came to simulating the launch of their own mini-airline.

Year 10 pupils at the school on Walshaw Road took on the mantle of managing director and other vital roles when they created their own company, ably assisted by representatives of Young Enterprise and advisers drawn from Bury-based telecoms giants, O2.

Cassandra Bell, programme manager of Young Enterprise, Manchester, explained: “We are an educational charity which puts on lots of events to equip youngsters with key business skills. At Elton High School, we staged a ‘creating an airline’ industry masterclass, focusing on airline travel, tourism and other subjects.

“Taking on director roles in a company, they named and designed a logo, brand and marketing plan for their airline company. Students were given the opportunity to sell seats on their plane and finally present their airline for its maiden voyage.

“The students were joined by seven volunteers from 02 Bury. By working with the students in role playing travel agents, flight licensing organisations and information and research companies, they helped to draw out key skills of the pupils and offer them an insight into the world of work.”

Added Cassandra: “The Young Enterprise industry masterclasses seek to encourage young people to consider entrepreneurship and self-employment as a career option and enable students to develop teamwork, communication and presentation skills. By bringing volunteers from business, pupils are given an informed view of the attitudes and skills that are necessary to succeed in the world beyond the classroom and within it.

“Young Enterprise have been delighted to work with Elton High School and provide the students with an opportunity to gain an understanding of the real business world.

“It was wonderful that volunteers from 02 were able to participate and engage students with vital skills for employment.”