The Raymond Ackerman Academy of Entrepreneurial Development based at the UCT Graduate School of Business is calling on Western Cape youth to apply for its next six-month programme.

The academy, established in 2005, has given more than 250 young people the chance to gain valuable life and business skills. The programme, which starts in January, is partly subsidised and financial assistance is available.

The RAA is inspired and supported by renowned South African entrepreneur Raymond Ackerman and is assisted by the City of Cape Town. It aims are to impart business and life skills and to promote self-development among young South Africans from disadvantaged backgrounds between the ages of 18-30.

Ackerman says the academy aims to give people who want to be entrepreneurs, but who lack the finances, the education or the skills, the opportunity of a first-class education and training programme.

Academy director Elli Yiannakaris says the course is an intensive six-month modular programme, combining theory and practice, and is designed to enable students to apply their knowledge once they leave the academy.

"The programme has a dual focus - to build entrepreneurial acumen, and to impart self-confidence through practical tutorials," says Yiannakaris.

According to Yiannakaris, this has been a winning formula since the inception of the RAA, with more than 70% of graduates finding full-time employment, starting their own businesses or going on to further their education. But it hasn't stopped the academy from trying to improve the programme.

"A lot has changed since we started four years ago," she says. "We have analysed the successes of the programme (of which there have been many) but also found it necessary to make a few adjustments here and there to give students all the tools necessary to go out and start their own businesses.

"We have introduced two new components to the curriculum. In early 2009 a computer training course was introduced and more recently we also started the innovation series course, which focuses on teaching innovation and applying it to business ideas.

"The RAA programme is intense because of the huge practical component and the fact that classes must be attended five days a week. But committed students who come with the right mindset will go on to achieve great things," she says.

Contact Elli Yiannakaris at 021 406 1422 or visit www.acker manacademy.co.za. The deadline for applications is November 30.