The Duke of York visited East Kent College in Sittingborne, Thanet, to open the new Peter Jones Enterprise Academy on 14th March, 2013.
HRH, Patron of the Peter Jones Foundation was briefed by the Head Teacher Graham Razey and the college management team on the challenges facing education providers in the local area.
Peter Jones Academies provide a unique environment to deliver further education courses in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, offering a fresh approach to business education by focusing on the value of ‘learning by doing’. East Kent College had successfully bid to host the Enterprise Academy which took it’s first students in September 2012.
The Duke enjoyed meeting and hearing the ideas of young entrepreneurs Grant Roswell and David Drutarovsky. HRH quizzed them on their business plans and was eager to hear about their success so far.
David said: “I am from Slovakia, and being given the chance to present my business idea to His Royal Highness, The Duke of York has been a life changing experience, and the biggest honour of my life so far. I will treasure that moment and it has inspired me to work even harder to ensure that my business is a success. I hope that I will get a chance to meet His Royal Highness again, and if he decides to get a moped that he will come to me for the speakers.”
Head Teacher Graham Razey said: “His Royal Highness, The Duke of York’s visit has certainly highlighted the significance of our new Peter Jones Enterprise Academy and the fantastic opportunities it will offer young people living in East Kent. As a College we greatly admire the amount of time and energy His Royal Highness devotes to helping young people develop the skills they need to succeed. Throughout his visit, whilst chatting to staff and engaging with students during their presentations, what impressed me the most was his genuine interest, encouragement and enthusiasm. And I have to say his subsequent address was simply inspiring.”
The Duke is keen to support providers of entrepreneurially focused education, who strive to teach individuals of all ages the skill set required to pursue successful business endeavours.
