This document describes a four-week business start-up program for vocational education students funded by Erasmus+. The program teaches creative problem solving, self-learning initiative, and leadership skills through workshops, challenges, and consulting projects. It has successfully worked with over 200 students from over 20 partner colleges across Europe, fully funding their travel, accommodations, and training. Students gain experience in topics like marketing, public speaking, and developing their own business ideas.

1. Introducing a fully funded four-week business start-up programme for Vocational Education
& Training (VET) college students. Learn to start your own business and develop your creative
problem solving skills, initiative and leadership with Corkscrew Thinking.
Learn business start-up
abroad with Erasmus+
KA1 Partner
More Information At
www.corkscrew.io
3 Years of Experience
In Running This Programme
Over 200 Students
Have Joined Us So Far
Over 20 College Partners
Located Around Europe
  
Over €5M Raised
On Behalf Of Our Partners
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2. Overview
This programme is for learners aged 17+ and teaches business start-up in
order to develop three key employability skills: creative problem solving,
self-learning initiative and confidence in leadership.
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3. Key Learning
Outcomes
This highly practical four week business programme develops
learners through structured workshops, challenges & exercises.
Learn key business concepts including
customers, competitors & marketing
More confidence in public speaking,
presentations and leading groups
Improved use of business English and
communication skills to present ideas
Improved ability to create original
solutions to challenging problems
Improved creativity finding viable
business opportunities and acting
upon them appropriately
Improved ability to teach oneself key
skills using the latest technologies and
publicly-available materials
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Corkscrew Group 9, Daniel B  eerstecher, Germany

4. Erasmus+ Funding
This programme is fully funded by Erasmus+ funding, which is awarded
by the EU and aims to boost entrepreneurial skills and employability as well
as modernise education, training, and youth work across Europe.
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5. WHAT IS ERASMUS+?
The Erasmus+ programme will run from 2014-2020 and supports employability and entrepreneurship in education and training across all sectors of Lifelong Learning, including Higher Education, Further Education and youth activities.
Erasmus+ replaces several other current funding programmes run by the European Commission in the area of education and training, including the Lifelong Learning Programme, Youth in Action and other international programmes including Jean Monnet and Erasmus Mundus.
It has a budget of approximately €14.7Bn across Europe and will, over the next seven years, provide opportunities for over 4 million Europeans to study, train, gain work experience and volunteer abroad.
What is
Erasmus+?
Erasmus+ is offering €14.7Bn to help train over four million Europeans.

6. We can access Erasmus+ funding on
your behalf to provide this programme
for free to both colleges and students.
WHY CHOOSE US AS YOUR
ERASMUS+ KEY PARTNER?
Our unique approach has
been developed to push the
boundaries of vocational
education in order to deliver
the best learning experience we
can. The new Erasmus+ funding
supports our unique approach
and as such we have been very
successful in securing funding
for over 20 educational bodies
since we first launched the
programme. Erasmus+ looks for
educational programmes that
can deliver the following:
Boosting Technical Skills
Learn design, presentation
and practical business skills.
Boosting Employability
Learn valuable employability
skills and build your CV.
Modernising Education & Training
Creative challenges, group
projects and mentorship in a
real business environment.
Developing Entrepreneurship
Learn every aspect of business
start-up in an engaging way.
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 Corkscrew Group 17, June 2014

7. WHAT’S WRONG WITH A TRADITIONAL INTERNSHIP?
While traditional internships can provide first-hand business experience, they don’t always provide the best learning environment for an individual.
Not only will those joining a Corkscrew programme gain a higher level of practical experience and responsibility than if they had attended a similar internship programme, they will also receive hands-on training in business start-up, full 1-to-1 mentorship throughout the programme as well as access to an active community of like minded international individuals. Our programme has a keen focus on supporting individuals in many ways that internships simply cannot.

8. What is Corkscrew Thinking?
Corkscrew Thinking is about using three key skills: Creative problem solving,
self-learning initiative and confidence in leadership. Many employers and educators are actively looking for these three skills in candidates over qualifications and experience.
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9. WHERE THE TERM CAME
FROM: HISTORICAL ROOTS
The term was famously coined
by Winston Churchill to describe
creative problem solvers
that could create innovative
solutions. It quickly gained
popularity after Corkscrew
Thinkers launched Operation
Mincemeat during the Second
World War – one of the most
successful military deceptions
since the Trojan Horse!
WHAT CORKSCREW
THINKING MEANS TO US
Corkscrew Thinking is about
seeing the world differently:
It’s about finding an original,
creative solution to every
situation. It’s about agile
learning and being resourceful
enough to teach yourself new
skills as and when you need
them. It’s about using courage
and insight to lead others and
fight against injustices.
Corkscrew
Thinking Basics
Corkscrew Thinking is like Design Thinking for business,
combining problem solving, learning and leadership skills.
We believe anyone can
benefit from learning to act
like a Corkscrew Thinker
whether they are bound for
education, employment or
entrepreneurship. A Corkscrew
Thinker is someone who can
react to problems creatively,
intelligently and with real
passion and cultural insight.
Facing an uncertain future,
we need all of the Corkscrew
Thinkers we can get.
Corkscrew Gr  oup 13, Wendy Roberts, NL

10. CORKSCREW ORIGINS
Corkscrew was founded in 2010
by a collective of passionate
entrepreneurs who believe that
the education system could
benefit from an entrepreneurial
mindset, and set about to
develop a programme that could
inspire students to take action
in vocational setting. We want
our participants to learn more,
do more and achieve more using
the fundamental skills used by
entrepreneurs and Corkscrew
Thinkers everywhere -
creative problem solving, self
development and leadership.
We’re passionate about the
development of young adults
and we believe in giving them
the best future possible. We
believe our programmes are
helping to do just that.
Our
Background
Neil Finnie, Corkscrew Mentor & Founder, w  ith Svenja Gliem, Germany

11. OUR EXPERIENCE RUNNING
THIS PROGRAMME
We’ve been successfully
running, developing and
growing this programme for the
last three years, accessing over
€5m to deliver the programme
through the Leonardo Mobility
and new Erasmus+ funding
(KA1 VET Learners Mobility)
dealing with cultural learning
experiences across Europe.
Our focus has always been on
empowering individuals to do
more. We believe in creating
entrepreneurial environments
that help individuals to develop
and grow. We believe in this
programme 100% and we
are excited to be offering this
opportunity to more students
this year.
So far we’ve helped over 200
students improve their thinking
and go on to get great jobs,
join prestigious educational
institutes and to start their own
amazing business projects.
We believe in constantly
improving and updating the
programme materials to keep
them timely, relevant and to
give the most worthwhile
and rewarding experience we
can provide. Any participants
on the programme will get
access to our materials for
ever afterwards, including
new content and updates to
our materials - a permanent
learning resource to take them
where they want to go.
So far we’ve successfully
accessed over €5m in funding
We’re currently working with
over 20 educational partners

In three years we’ve worked
with over 200 students
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
Tom Brushwood,  Corkscrew Mentor

12. This programme in detail
This programme focuses on developing the three main skills of Corkscrew Thinking by helping students learn how to start a business. Whether you're an absolute beginner or an experienced entrepreneur, this programme has something for everyone.
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13. This is a four week programme
designed for students aged
17+ who want to learn how to
create innovative ideas, present
themselves with confidence,
lead group situations and work
with real clients.
By using the concept of starting
a business we’ve found we
can instil the three key skills
of Corkscrew Thinking and
qualities into our students,
while giving them tangible
business and marketing
experience in a variety of areas.
Whether bound for further
education, employment
or entrepreneurship, this
programme is designed to
benefit students from all
backgrounds and interests.
This is a free beneficial learning
experience, fully funded for
both students and colleges and
we’re quite sure that it’s unlike
anything else in existence.
The Focus of
this Programme
“...We’re quite sure it’s unlike anything
else in existence.”
Corkscrew Group 9  , Emilia Tornell, Sweden

14. This programme is for students
aged 17+ who are driven,
curious, open-minded, looking
for a challenge, and eager to
learn about many aspects
of business development,
marketing, communication and
international culture.
This programme is a collection
of unique learning exercises,
challenges and real client
projects building towards
an intensive and worthwhile
experience. The programme
combines mentor lead learning,
self-learning and peer to
peer learning techniques and
provides a compelling look into
the world of business start-ups.
Who is this
programme for?
Designed for students aged
17+ from any background
pursuing marketing, business,
hospitality, tourism, HR,
admin, economics or design

We’re looking for open minded
students with a keen interest
in business

Corkscrew Group 9, Hanna H  artikainen, Sweden

15. Learn business start-up
This programme offers students the opportunity to learn many aspects of contemporary business and marketing strategy including how to:
Understand the key concepts of business
Create your first feasible business idea
Create a ‘Killer Pitch’ to impress any audience
Build a website quickly and easily
Develop your self- brand and CV
Use business to solve problems & help others
Finance a start-up in the age of the Internet
Use social media to market your business
Create a logo and brand for your start-up
How to network without the trade fairs!
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16. And Consult
for a business
On this programme, students have the opportunity to work directly with a local client
on a small consulting project
to put their business knowledge to the test.
This project is an important part of the programme and gives our students the chance to gain real consulting experience, perfect for CVs and practical learning. They will gain experience working as part of a small team in a professional setting whilst learning about client management and project management skills.
The type of project varies from programme to programme and could include a social media strategy, a competitor analysis, event planning, revenue research, customer research or small website project.
Here are some of the projects we’ve worked on in the past:
New Marketing Campaign
For GiveMeTap
www.givemetap.co.uk
Revenue Stream Research
For Kaizen Adventures
www.kaizenadventures.com
Brand Identity Design
For Sign Up BSL
www.signupbsl.co.uk
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17. Build Creativity &
Problem Solving Skills
We help to develop students’
freethinking and creative
thinking abilities which
help them to move into any
career that requires creative
problem solving skills.
Build Initiative &
Learning Skills
Using the latest online
resources and technologies,
learn to trust your own
instincts and teach yourself
just about anything quickly
and effectively. Learn
to teach others using an
assortment of engaging
communication methods.
Build Confidence &
Leadership Skills
We run creative learning
exercises that promote
presentation public
speaking and leadership
skills to sharpen anyone’s
confidence.
Build Practical Skills &
Business Experience
Students will be able to
try many different areas
of business, marketing,
communications and
management to find the
direction that is right for
them. They will also gain
real international consulting
experience - great for a CV!
Key Skill
Takeaways
Develop Networking
Skills & Opportunities
Each participant has the
option join our active
community of Corkscrew
Thinkers based all over
the world who are
available for help, advice
and collaboration. Our
community have gone on
to launch exciting business
start-up ventures, enrol
in exclusive university
programmes and have found
some pretty amazing jobs.
Now your students will be
able to join their ranks.
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Corkscrew Group 9  , Birte Jetter, Germany

18. LEARNING STRUCTURE
OF THE PROGRAMME
Each day focuses on a new
topic that builds into an overall
journey - everything you need
to know about business start-up
from start to finish.
The programme has a large
emphasis on working in
varied groups to create and
present new ideas, supporting
leadership and presentation
skill development throughout.
1-to-1 support is given by
mentors on a daily basis to
encourage students’ own
development of ideas. Online
email support is provided out
of hours and all programme
materials as well as various
bonus learning materials
will be accessible during
and post-programme.

19. Return Flights
To and from the
programme's destination
All In-Country Travel
Including airport transport
and a local bus pass
Safe Local Accommodation
For the full duration of
the programme
Training Fees
All training and staffing
fees are covered
Online Access To
Learning Materials
Free online access to learning
materials post-programme
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance can be
included by request
Staff Access To All Materials
You will be given a special
staff login to view all of
our online programme
content. We can also offer
advice about including our
programme content within
your education curriculum.
Student Safety Assurance
& Emergency Phone Line
We will organize everything
in-country, including travel,
accommodation and training.
We will even provide a 24
hour emergency phone line
What does the
funding cover?
to deal with any problems
swiftly and safely.
Student Recruitment
Assistance For Colleges
Assistance with student
recruitment can be provided.
We can supply flyers,
posters and forms to help
promote the programme
in your college and make
recruiting students easy.
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Corkscrew Group 11, E  lena O'Donovan, Ireland

20. Programme Successes
We’ve had great success running this programme. In the last three years alone, we’ve helped over 200 students develop and grow, receiving excellent feedback across the board from students, colleges and partners.
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21. Truro & Penwith College, UK
www.truro-penwith.ac.uk
LYIT Letterkenny Institute of technology, Ireland
www.lyit.ie
PRVA Ekonomska Skola, Sweden
www.ss-prva.skole.hr
Ekonomska I Upravna Skola Osijek, Sweden
www.ss-ekonom.skole.hr
Stockholm Stad, Sweden
www.stockholm.se
Drogheda Institue of Further Education, Ireland
www.dife.info
Waterford College of Further Education, Ireland
www.wcfe.ie
Ekonomsko-Birotehnicka Skola U Splitu, Sweden
www.ss-ekonom.skole.hr
Grafton College, Ireland
www.graftoncollege.com
Dunboyne College, Ireland
www.portal.meathvec.ie
Successful College Partnerships
So far we've created successful partnerships with colleges
from all over Europe including:
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22. Ian Leoneard,
Ireland
"I would recommend this opportunity to absolutely everyone. It has been an amazing and enlightening experience that I am so delighted to have been part of. The lessons and skills learned here were taught in a way that I have never experienced before, and that is a big credit to the Corkscrew team."
Emily Li,
Sweden
"It's definitely been a great experience staying with a real British family and living everyday life with them, but my favourite things were the projects, presentations and lectures we've been given on the programme. I feel so much more confident in myself and it’s been a real inspiration."
Sebastian McKenna Long,
Ireland
"Regardless of your background you will learn so, so much from working at Corkscrew. Aside from experience using crucial platforms such as Google AdWords, Analytics, SEO etc., I developed enormous confidence, creativity and presentation skills. I highly recommend this programme!"
Olivier Choquereau,
France
"For me, working with Corkscrew was about cultural exchange, developing my knowledge in a range of areas and learning more about entrepreneurship. This programme has helped me grow amazingly over the last few
weeks and I will never forget such an amazing experience."
Gulcan Akyel,
Germany
"It was definitely a great experience. It was good working with people from different cultures and backgrounds, giving me a better understanding of their working methods. The best thing about this programme for me was building a great social network and meeting friends that I’ll never forget!"
Would our participants recommend this programme?

23. Successful
Start-ups Launched
For those students that
do want to venture into
entrepreneurship, we have a
great track record for helping
them start and grow. Here are
a few of our favourite start-ups
we've helped to launch:
D.R.A.W.
Offering graphic recording
services for conferences and
events, DRAW is already
working at big events around
Dublin and London.
Soul Soup
Like the Innocent Smoothies
of the soup world, Soul Soup
provides healthy, wholesome
soup for the masses.
Jolie Life Foundation
Jolie Life organises events
and support for those who
develop eating disorders
later in life, often during
stressful times in their life.
Bike Bug
Creating an innovative new
way of charging devices
while riding a bike, we
helped Bike Bug develop the
concept and secure funding.
Red Cauliflower
Offering bespoke and
customised vintage jackets
and bags, Red Cauliflower is
now being stocked in fashion
outlets across Amsterdam.
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Corkscrew Group 12, Cilia T  he (Red Cauliflower), NL

24. We'd like to offer this programme to you
We've had a successful few years and we now are very excited to be able to offer this opportunity to more students. We're looking for more educational partners to join us and give their students the educational experience of a lifetime.
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25. To give you an idea of what this programme is all about, we've included some useful materials in this pack. If you did not receive
any and are interested, please email neil@corkscrew.io for a copy.
What's Included
In This Pack
Programme Syllabus & Timetable
We've included a breakdown of all training topics covered on
the programme, as well as a rough timetable of how each of the four weeks break down into presentations, games, challenges and project work (working with a client).
Welcome Presentation
We've also included one of the first presentations we deliver
on the programme which explains a little more about who we
are and the ethos behind the programme. We've also attached some advice we give to participants early on - no divas!
Student Recruitment Posters & Forms
We can send you these resources separately. If you would like support with student recruitment then please contact us on neil@corkscrew.io to find out how we can assist you.
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26. Please Get in
touch with us!
If you love this programme as much as we do and are
interested in finding out more, please email Neil Finnie on
neil@corkscrew.io or contact him using one of the options
below. He’ll get back to you as soon as possible to discuss
the possible partnership options.
@nfinnie
linkedin.com/in/neilfinnie
www.corkscrew.io
Neil Finnie, C  orkscrew Mentor & Founder

27. © CORKSCREW 2014
11-15 Dix's Field, Exeter,
Devon, UK. EX1 1QA
WWW.CORKSCREW.IO