BUSINESS and enterprise studies form a part of most Transition Years with many students forming mini companies. This sees a company set up to mirror everyday practice in the adult world.

Through the operation of the company, students develop their knowledge and skills in a wide variety of areas, including banking, accounting, shares, market research, managerial roles, record keeping and group work, according to Eilis Humphreys of the Transition Year support team.

Trade fairs provide opportunities for the companies to trade their products in a friendly, but competitive environment. A fair has been held in the Drumcondra Teacher's Centre, Dublin, for the past few years and, this year, for the first time, there will be a separate fair on the south side of the city, in the "Martello" region. The Martello mini company trade fair take place on Friday, May 3rd, at Greenhills community centre.

Each year, since 1991, the Young Entrepreneur's Scheme, which is sponsored by Forbairt, invites students to set up mini companies and to enter regional competitions. This year's national final was held on Sunday, April 21st, in the O'Reilly Hall, UCD.