The Real Business Challenge (RBC) is an enterprise initiative where students work in teams to tackle a business challenge, from designing a new soft drink to identifying a new location for a manufacturing site. The challenge is designed to give students an opportunity to practice skills that will give them a competitive edge in the job market, from teamwork to presentation skills. They work alongside CCE professionals to give them a real business perspective.

The RBC programme has always been linked to the national curriculum and to further add value we are working with Edexcel (the UK’s largest awarding body offering academic and vocational qualifications and testing to schools, colleges and other places of learning), in order to accredit the RBC learning activity to the content of their BTEC work skills qualification.

In Scotland the RBC is linked to the Curriculum for Excellence and its four capacities. We are supported by Determined to Succeed to deliver the RBC information into the 345 Scottish Secondary schools via their Enterprise Development Officers. DtS also sponsor the Scottish Final of the RBC.

An annual initiative, every year students are set a new and exciting challenge that reflects the current business and external environment. Teachers are also offered the opportunity to attend a continuous professional development day to meet CCE people and learn firsthand about our business in GB.

The success of this programme is built on a collaborative approach with regional development agencies, Young Chamber, Education business partnerships, colleges and local radio stations.

Over 200 CCE employees have supported the programme, acting as business mentors for students, and this contribution is now accredited to the CCE management development programme.