Venture Matrix
This award-winning* scheme is a great way for students to develop their employability and enterprise skills as part of their degree.
They work with external organisations to
- tackle real-life challenges and get work experience in a safe and secure environment
- support enterprise activities in schools and colleges
Organisations benefit from accessing our students' specialist skills, knowledge and insight.
* National Enterprise Educator award 2010
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Schools and colleges testimonials
'Having the opportunity to work with enthusiastic young people has been a great experience. Their determination and passion to both learn and succeed has been truly inspiring. I really enjoyed sharing my knowledge and experience with the schools and colleges that I worked with, and it helped me to utilise and build upon my existing skills gained from my interaction with the Venture Matrix.'
Will Newham -
Student testimonials
'When I was being interviewed for my placement job I had so many experiences to talk about from the work I had been doing through the Venture Matrix.'
Rachel Arthur, student -
Student testimonials
'Working with Venture Matrix has all been really good fun. There's been a massive variety of experiences, from playing with playdoh with seven year olds to presenting to a board of inspirational women. So definitely varied and interesting, with lots of different experiences I can draw on when applying for jobs and in interviews.'
Rachel Arthur, Laura Foulkes, Lucy Wardle (Jigsaw Team) -
Schools and colleges testimonials
'The BiG Challenge teams this year have really enjoyed the opportunity to work with Venture Matrix groups. Not only has it helped them learn new skills for use in the challenge, but I'm sure that the interaction they have had with higher education students has raised aspirations and may help them consider a University education later on.'
Karen Wood, Schools Enterprise Champion -
Student testimonials
'We would recommend Venture Matrix. The experience makes things different and is very rewarding. It also makes you realise what you actually know and what you have learned in class when you get the opportunity to put things into practise.'
Emily Otter, Julie Pinkerton, Maddy Price, Matt Ogely -
Schools and colleges testimonials
'The students were friendly, helpful and really gelled with our students. Good relationships were formed straight away and we looked forward to their help each session. They really worked with the students to bring the best out of them and it was wonderful that they were at the presentation evening to share our success.'
Claire Jackson, assistant head, Stocksbridge High School -
Student testimonials
'From this we have been able to see that there is no substitute for experience, as you develop your thought process and apply the theory within a real context. In a way it's linking two areas together and providing meaningful opportunities.'
Laura Foulkes, student -
Schools and colleges testimonials
'I've had a fantastic time working with Dan Aid and Venture Matrix so far. I think it has really boosted my confidence and given me a chance to work in secondary schools which is helping me decide on my career path. I'm really enjoying the experience. It can be quite daunting doing something so different but I have found it really beneficial as it develops a lot of other skills for work in later life.'
Sarah Turner -
Student testimonials
'I thoroughly enjoyed my experience with Student Sport Magazine. I feel that the experience that I gained has given me not only an insight into which sector I would like to be involved in in my future career, but also valuable experience whilst finishing my studies.'
Francesca Webster -
Schools and colleges testimonials
'I would highly recommend Venture Matrix. Everything was efficiently organised, communications were prompt and clear. They were flexible and fitted into our activity perfectly making a tremendous difference to our students’ experience of their Enterprise Day. In fact the day wouldn’t have been the same without them – we will definitely use them again.'
Helen Robertshaw, subject leader PSHEE and citizenship, Tapton School -
Schools and colleges testimonials
'Working with Venture Matrix has been a fantastic opportunity. It has really helped to raise the aspirations and self-esteem of our students and has helped them to achieve a significant success.'
Debbie Petts, assistant principal, head of post-16, Hope Valley College -
Employer testimonials
'I cannot recommend the Venture Matrix Scheme highly enough. We have been involved for two years and have always received excellent service from the staff. The quality of the students and the work they have done has been excellent and of lasting, tangible benefit to our business.'
Tom Wenham, director, Sportsworks
