AIB Northern Ireland has formed a partnership with Young Enterprise to deliver financial literacy and enterprise education programmes across schools in the northwest region. The collaboration provides students with practical business skills and supports entrepreneurial capability development through structured learning experiences.

Ireland Live reports that the partnership will enable Young Enterprise to expand programme delivery across participating schools in Derry and surrounding areas. The initiative combines financial education content with experiential learning opportunities that develop commercial awareness and entrepreneurial thinking.

Young Enterprise operates company programmes where students establish and run actual businesses throughout the academic year, gaining hands-on experience in planning, operations, marketing and financial management. The organisation also delivers financial literacy modules covering budgeting, saving and economic understanding.

AIB Northern Ireland's involvement provides financial expertise, volunteer support from bank employees and access to business mentoring. The bank stated that supporting youth enterprise education aligns with its commitment to economic development and skills building across Northern Ireland.

The partnership targets secondary schools across the northwest, with programmes adapted to different age groups and curriculum requirements. Students participate in activities ranging from basic financial literacy workshops to full business creation projects culminating in regional competitions.

Financial education has gained prominence in educational policy as authorities recognise its importance for personal financial management and broader economic participation. The integration of enterprise education aims to develop transferable skills including teamwork, problem-solving, communication and resilience.

Young Enterprise has operated across the United Kingdom and Ireland for decades, working with schools to deliver business and enterprise education through teacher-led programmes supported by business volunteers. The organisation emphasises learning through doing rather than purely theoretical instruction.

Read more on AIB NI and Young Enterprise's northwest schools partnership.