Enterprise skills and enterprise learning

Abstract

In an era marked by profound technological change young people must prepare for a future in which rapid innovation is accompanied by the passing of traditional social norms such as career paths and job security. This calls for a level of self‐reliance, self‐determination and preparedness for life‐long learning not required in previous generations. Traditional measures of academic success overlook the broader skill set that is needed for success in the new environment. Emotional intelligence and enterprise skills now form part of a fundamental skill set which has not been given prominence in a traditional school curriculum designed towards a job outcome. Young people need not be victims of change. Parents, educators and entrepreneurial role models in the wider community can all play a role in preparing young people for a life of purpose in which they are aware of and can draw on their talents and abilities.