In the last week of term before Christmas, you might have had some sympathy for the 100 Bristol College students who had been selected to take part in this 3-day challenge.
But at the end of the event initial scepticism had turned to enthusiasm - perhaps even enjoyment!
Student Titus Akemo said – “This experience has been really fantastic because I know more about setting up a business and how a business can be managed. Also how people can respond to you and the different ways in which you can handle questions and problems.”
College manager, Ajay Sarda,had a number of objectives for the programme. As well as completing their portfolios for a 'Working With Others' Wider Key skill, Ajay wanted the students to develop their employability skills and to stimulate enterprise and entrepreneurship.
Inviting 16 business people to take part in the programme, Ajay also wanted to engage local employers and showcase the talents of Bristol College students. The employers - acting as 'experts' - certainly went away impressed. Spencer Gillman from 'Insights'commented - "A combination of stimulating ideas and an opportunity to meet great people all in a fun and inspirational day"
Tutors were also impressed by their students: Philip Rowe remarked “An excellent experience for students and staff. Most pleasing to see the development of the students as the days progressed. It was wonderful to see the eventual presentation from the students and see the results of their hard work.”
Event Profile:
City of Bristol Plunge 16-18 December 2008
102 Students attended
16 new business ideas created
14 Business Experts attended
72 Business meetings conducted
16 Presentations delivered
Student feedback from 75 responses* - 90% said their experience over the three days was ‘Good’ or better
- 60% said it was ‘Very Good’ or better
- Only 5% rated any of the sessions as ‘Not So Good'
*74% response rate
