JA Company Program Returns to Australia, Strengthening Youth Entrepreneurship Education
The newly re-established JA Australia has reached an important milestone with the launch of its first learning experience, the JA Company Program, creating new opportunities for young people to develop entrepreneurial skills through hands-on learning.
The Australian Minister for Education, the Honourable Sabine Winton MLS, commended the introduction of the JA Company Program in Australia in a letter dated October 14, 2026:
“Initiatives that help students develop entrepreneurship, leadership, financial capability and work-readiness skills play an important role in preparing young people for the world of work. This also aligns with the Department of Education's priorities: we want our students to leave school knowing their strengths and having the confidence to use them to forge their path in the world.”
Following the successful completion of teacher training at Aranmore Catholic College and St James' Anglican School in Perth for a full day on October 7, young people will soon begin launching and operating their own companies through one of Junior Achievement's most established experiential learning programs. At least four student-led companies are expected to participate in this first cycle, with top-performing teams progressing to the regional JA Asia Pacific Company of the Year Competition (JA APAC COY) in 2027.
A particularly encouraging aspect of the launch is the integration of the program into the curriculum at both participating schools. This allows young people to apply classroom learning in authentic business settings while building future-ready skills in leadership, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Embedding the JA Company Program into our curriculum gives young people the opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world application. It encourages creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking while helping them develop practical entrepreneurial skills. We believe programs like this play an important role in preparing young people for their future." Laura Briggs, Vice Principal of St James Anglican School, Perth.
The successful launch of the program has been supported by targeted teacher training, equipping educators with the knowledge, resources, and confidence to facilitate experiential learning in the classroom. As young people develop and operate their businesses, teachers play an essential role in guiding their learning journey and helping them connect entrepreneurial concepts with practical experience.
"The training provided valuable insight into how experiential entrepreneurship education can be delivered effectively. It gave us practical tools and a clear framework to support young people as they learn through experience, take ownership of their ideas, and build confidence in their abilities." Kathy Kania, Aranmore Catholic College, Perth.
Teacher training is a critical component of the JA Company Program's success, particularly when the experience is embedded within the curriculum. By investing in educators, schools are creating a sustainable foundation for entrepreneurship education that can benefit future cohorts of young people for years to come.
The strong response from participating schools reflects growing interest in learning experiences that bridge academic knowledge and practical application. Feedback has been exceptionally positive, highlighting opportunities for future growth as JA Australia expands its engagement with schools and educators across the country.
As JA Worldwide's flagship entrepreneurship program, the JA Company Program enables young people to create and operate real businesses while still in school. Working in teams and supported by educators and volunteer mentors, participants identify market opportunities, develop products or services, manage finances, engage customers, and evaluate business performance. Through this experience, they gain practical business knowledge while building essential skills in innovation, financial capability, resilience, and leadership.
Across Asia Pacific, these skills have never been more important. Through entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial health programs, JA Members collectively reached nearly 5 million learning experiences in the past year in Asia Pacific, helping youth develop the mindsets and capabilities needed to succeed in a rapidly changing economy. The JA Company Program remains one of the region's most impactful experiential learning experiences, providing young people with the opportunity to learn by doing while discovering their potential as entrepreneurs, innovators, and future leaders.
For JA Australia, the program represents an important opportunity to contribute to the development of future-ready young Australians while supporting broader economic and community outcomes.
Robert Gardiner, Interim Executive Director of JA Australia, says:
"Entrepreneurship education is about more than starting businesses. It helps young people develop the confidence, creativity, and problem-solving skills needed to contribute meaningfully to society. By empowering young people to identify opportunities and create value, we are helping build the capabilities that support innovation, economic, and strong communities across Australia."
As the first learning experience delivered by the newly established JA Australia, the JA Company Program also strengthens connections across JA’s Asia Pacific network. It creates opportunities for young people, educators, volunteers, and business leaders to engage with peers from diverse markets, exchange ideas, and learn from one another through regional initiatives such as the JA Asia Pacific Company of the Year Competition.
The months ahead will see young people transform ideas into businesses and gain first-hand experience in entrepreneurship. Their participation in JA APAC COY 2027 will provide valuable opportunities to connect with fellow young entrepreneurs from across the region, reflecting the spirit of innovation, collaboration, and enterprise that defines the JA network.