BUDDING entrepreneurs can now apply for a brand new educational course backed by Dragon’s Den star Peter Jones.

The Peter Jones Enterprise Academy is searching for young entrepreneurs, aged from 16- to 19-years-old, to sign up for the brand new course starting in September at the Mid Devon campus.

The course is a BTEC Level 3 in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship.

The academy aims to equip young people with the practical skills and experience needed to excel in the world of work through its tailored courses, under the guidance of Peter Jones, from BBC Two’s Dragons’ Den, in partnership with Edexcel.

Mr Jones said: “As the UK embarks on an uncertain post-EU economic path we need to equip the next generation – from as young an age as possible – with the confidence, business acumen and practical skills they need to thrive.

“I want to inspire young people to ‘dream big’ and believe in their creative potential by putting enterprise at the heart of the UK’s education system.”

The course hopes to guide students with a learn by doing technique, by using practical work experience placements, national enterprise challenge days and inspirational masterclass sessions.

The new enterprise academy is being supported by more than 100 businesses across the UK.

Mark Challacombe, Petroc’s assistant principal for Mid Devon, said: “We’re extremely excited to be able to offer the young people of Mid Devon the opportunity to join the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy, and through this diverse and ‘hands-on’ course, give aspiring entrepreneurs the experience, skills and knowledge needed to build long, successful careers.

“Petroc already has a highly-successful business department here at our Campus in Tiverton, and the Enterprise and Entrepreneurship BTEC will be a fantastic addition to our curriculum.”

To enrol to the course, or to find out more information, visit petroc.ac.uk or call 01884 235245.