North West schools benefit as AIB NI and Young Enterprise join forces

Young Enterprise Northern Ireland is celebrating the growing impact of its partnership with AIB NI, which is empowering young people across Northern Ireland and particularly in the North West with the work readiness, financial capability and entrepreneurial skills needed to succeed in the modern world of work.

Launched to support young people at key stages of their education, the partnership sees AIB NI backing two of Young Enterprise NI’s flagship programmes, Our World and Project Business, which together with AIB NI’s support are already helping thousands of pupils in schools across the region.

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In the North West alone, 16 schools have benefited or will benefit from the partnership, ensuring that children and young people from primary through to post-primary school have access to high-quality, hands-on enterprise education that builds confidence, creativity and real-world understanding.

At primary level, AIB NI supports the Our World programme, delivered to 8-9 year-olds. Pupils explore local and global trade, develop teamwork and creativity, and learn about sustainability and responsible business practices in an engaging, age-appropriate way.

At post-primary level, AIB NI partners with Young Enterprise NI on Project Business, empowering 13–15 year-olds by deepening their understanding of business, economics and enterprise, while helping them develop key work-readiness skills.

A defining feature of both programmes is the involvement of business volunteers, including AIB NI colleagues, who bring learning to life by sharing their real-world knowledge and experience directly in the classroom.

This hands-on approach helps students connect what they learn in school to real business challenges, career pathways and opportunities.

Post-primary schools benefiting in the North West of Northern Ireland include:

• St Cecilia’s College
• Limavady Grammar School
• St Brigid’s College
• Foyle College
• St Conor’s College, Kilrea
• St Joseph’s Boys’ School

Primary schools benefiting include:

• Harpur’s Hill Primary School
• Ballykelly Primary School
• Longtower Primary School
• Sacred Heart Primary School
• Rosemount Primary School
• Ballysally Primary School
• St Brigid’s Primary School & Nursery, Carnhill
• St Catherine’s Primary School
• Irish Society’s Primary School
• St Canice’s Primary School
• Glendermott Primary School

The impact of the partnership was recently showcased at Foyle College, where students taking part in the Project Business programme participated in a workshop supported by Stephanie Carson from AIB NI’s local Derry branch.

Stephanie shared insights into her role as Assistant Manager within the bank, discussed topics such as loan applications, financial decision-making and career progression, and gave students a valuable opportunity to ask questions about business and money in a real-world context.

Speaking about the partnership, Carol Fitzsimons MBE, Chief Executive of Young Enterprise NI, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have AIB NI as a programme partner. Their commitment to supporting young people at this crucial stage in their education aligns perfectly with our mission.

This partnership marks a significant step forward in preparing young people for success in a global economy, while promoting sustainability and responsible business practices. Together, we can ensure that more students across Northern Ireland - including those in the North West — are equipped with the skills and confidence they need to succeed.”

Donna Armstrong, Head of Consumer Support Services at AIB NI, added: “AIB NI is proud to support Young Enterprise NI’s work in inspiring the next generation of business leaders and employees. By investing in enterprise education at both primary and post-primary levels, we are helping to build a brighter, more sustainable future for our communities.

We are so excited to see our colleagues going into schools, sharing their experiences and helping young people understand the world of work and business.”

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to ensuring young people across Northern Ireland regardless of location are prepared for the evolving demands of the workplace and have the confidence to pursue their ambitions, whether as future employees, innovators or entrepreneurs.