LJMU’s Enterprise Educators’ Academe as trained and supported more than 300 academic staff across all subject areas. Tony McDonough reports.
Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) has scooped a top award recognising its achievement of ensuring enterprise skills are embedded across its curriculum.
LJMU’s Enterprise Educators’ Academe is the only university in the country, and the only organisation in the North, to win one of the Government’s annual Enterprising Britain Awards.
It has been awarded one of four national accolades, and particular recognition as best organisation in the UK for improving entrepreneurial and enterprise skills, by winning the ‘Building Enterprise Skills’ category.
Reaching 17,000 students
Since its inception in 2014, the Enterprise Educators’ Academe has trained and supported more than 300 academic staff across all subject areas.
Enterprise skills are now embedded in more than 150 degree programme pathways, reaching more than 17,000 students.
Due to the success of the model, it is now being rolled out to several other educational institutions in Liverpool.
21st century demands
Vice-Chancellor of LJMU, Professor Nigel Weatherill, said: “Despite being created just two years ago, the Academe has been successful in embedding enterprise throughout our curriculum so our students graduate with the skills that meet 21st century business demands.
“Being recognised by the Government as a key player in economic growth reflects our modern civic approach to investing in the future of Liverpool’s business community and its place in the Northern Powerhouse.
“Moreover, this award reflects the quality of the teaching we deliver here which makes us a standout university of choice.”
Innovator skills
LJMU’s Professor David Gibson conducted extensive research to identify the enterprise skills required to become an entrepreneur or innovator.
He devised a model of eight competencies which include creativity, resilience, self-management, finance, negotiation skills, leadership and team work, personal branding, personal influence and strategic thinking.
He said: “This award is testament to the University’s excellent educators who have helped their students develop enterprise skills to make an impact regionally, nationally and internationally.
“LJMU is committed to making Liverpool one of the great entrepreneurial cities in the world and equipping our students with acumen to graduate job-ready and become the entrepreneurs of the future.”