YOUNG entrepreneurs are hoping to draw on the experience of a Dragon as they start on a pioneering new qualification at Oxford and Cherwell Valley College.

The first Students have enrolled for the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy to study enterprise and entrepreneurship in October.

Oxford and Cherwell Valley College is one of a national network of approved partner colleges offering the BTEC diploma, which is backed by companies including Orange and Grant Thornton, as well as entrepreneur Peter Jones of Dragons’ Den.

Former Burford School pupil Andrei Bird, 18, from Carterton, will be among the first group of people taking the qualifications.

He aims to start a men’s fashion business and is hoping the course will help inspire him.

He said: “It’s a great way for me to build on my creativity, to give it a practical aspect and learn what you need to run a successful business.”

Part of the qualification will see students setting up their own businesses and pitching for investment from local ‘business angels’.

At 17, Rosie Burr, who did her A-levels at Lord Williams’s School, Thame, has already done two stints of work experience at Raymond Blanc’s Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons in Great Milton.

She is already making cakes for two restaurants and wants to build her own catering firm. She said: “I really want to set up my own business, maybe making healthy cakes.”

Another ambitious self-starter is 16-year-old Courtney Paintin, who is coming to the college from the Oxford Academy, in Littlemore.

She wants to have a business in boys and girls’ fashion and plans to take a specialist course in textiles, go to university and start her own company.

She said: “I really want to be my own boss, to be in control of things. Whatever happens – even if it’s tough – I want to be able to face up to challenges.”

The academy is based on Mr Jones’s vision of a centre of excellence for developing enterprise skills.

Students will work on real-life business challenges and take part in masterclasses and workshops.

Mr Jones, the founder of Phones International Group and an investor in a wide range of different businesses, said: “I believe that now is a critical time to engage and inspire our future entrepreneurs.”

There are still places available. Call 01865 550550 or visit ocvc.ac.uk