Skilled entrepreneurs – gaining skills beyond the tools

During on the job apprenticeship training, the focus is on teaching the practical skills of the trade and what is required of the apprentice as an employee. As they gain the skills and confidence needed to succeed by working in their respective trade, they are ready to develop their entrepreneurial spirit.

They strive to run their own prosperous business and become an integral part of their local business community. Many skilled tradespeople are entrepreneurs who start their own businesses. It may start small with a few clients, but as business grows, so does the need for additional business related skills.

How do they gain the skills they need to run a successful business into the future?

They not only need the skills to run a business, but also how to start a business. From creating a business plan that includes securing start-up financing and securing a working premises, a proper start can lay the ground work for future success. There are many resources available that offer the knowledge that an entrepreneur needs such as how to plan ahead, marketing a business, managing people, taking care of finances, time management, and directing operations. WorldSkills can connect future entrepreneurs to the local resources that fit their needs including:

• local business resource centres,
• online communities,
• education seminars and workshops, and
• mentorship groups.

There are many benefits to assisting entrepreneurs develop the business skills they need. Skilled entrepreneurs are creating jobs and stimulating local economies.

If you are interested in becoming an entrepreneur or maybe even mentoring a potential entrepreneur, ask your local WorldSkills Member for the connections to get you there.