Bossman Gary now a class act; Working Life.

Byline: David Old

A MANAGING director went back to the classroom to teach youngsters how to become an entrepreneur.

Gary Thompson has spent 25 years in frontline engineering and product development, and is the owner and managing director of Gateshead-based C2M UK.

And he went back to Ferryhill Enterprise College, County Durham, to deliver the Young Enterprise North East (YENE) Personal Economics programme to budding entrepreneurs.

As well as sharing his success story, Gary taught the class of 14 to 16-year-olds how to assess their personal skills and interests and explored their career options.

He discussed risk taking and decision making as well as helping the students develop skills in budgeting and personal financial management.

Gary is one of YENE's latest volunteers, aiding the charity in its recruitment drive to sign up one new volunteer each working day throughout February to May 2009.

The visit was part of the charity's One Day campaign, which aims to gain business support by asking for one day of their time, resources or services in kind to help deliver its enterprise education sessions to more than 12,000 young people throughout the North East

Gary said: "If we don't support and nurture young people now and give them our experience, then who will they get it from? If we can guide them instead of them ending up making the same mistakes that we have then this is sure to lead to further economic prosperity.

"Going back to my old school was very satisfying. It's great to know that I am putting something back. By volunteering in the classroom the students gain a better understanding of life in the real world and the difficulties that they can face in business when leaving the comfort of the school environment."

CAPTION(S):

SCHOOL CALL - Gary Thompson with students at Ferryhill College