IT'S NEVER too early to learn about the business world. Entrepreneurial skills should be taught to youngsters in primary school. Furthermore, children's books should be available to show them how to set up their own companies.

That's the view of highly successful business tycoon Peter Jones, head of many and various companies, and well known to the public as a straight-talker offering free advice (and investment, often) to would-be entrepreneurs on popular TV business ideas programme Dragons' Den, franchised across the world.

Now, with his own finance - to rectify his concerns that some traditional qualifications are not teaching teenagers the practical skills they need to succeed - he has launched his business dream, the National Enterprise Academy in London, that is also supported by government.

Jones said: "While it's true that traditional business studies courses equip students with a wealth of valuable theoretical business knowledge, there is currently no single academic course wholly dedicated to enterprise and entrepreneurship - a fact that inspired me to set about establishing the National Enterprise Academy."

There needed to be a "culture shift" to encourage more people to be entrepreneurs. "We need to foster among our young people an ‘I can' rather than a ‘Can I?' attitude," he added. "That is not to say we do not already possess a great deal of young talent in Britain - far from it. But up until now, we have simply not done enough to unlock the entrepreneurial talents of our young people."

Backed by the UK government the National Enterprise Academy (NEA) is where young people are now able to study for new qualifications in enterprise and entrepreneurship. It will provide students aged 16 to 19 with the knowledge and skills to become leaders in their chosen field of work, or to set up businesses on their own.

A spokesperson said: "It will pioneer an innovative way of teaching, exposing students to real-life business issues in real-life business environments, with a high level of input from entrepreneurs acting as mentors andsupporting tutors."

Peter Jones said there was no better time to create such an academy, despite the recession. "The UK needs entrepreneurs to stimulate the economy and businesses need inspired employees to help their companies recover quickly. With the continued support of government and the private sector, the NEA will create both."

It will enrol nearly 18,000 learners in its first five years, giving them the skills and confidence to become enterprising employees or entrepreneurs in their own right. The Department for Business, Innovation & Skills has invested up to nine million pounds, matched by employers, creating a powerful partnership that allows employers to lead and shape the skills being taught.

Speaking at the academy's launch at the headquarters of Orange, the NEA's exclusive communications and key corporate partner, UK Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said: "Enterprise is essential to our future and it starts with young people. This academy will play a vital role in helping young people unlock their talent and gain the skills necessary for a better future, both for themselves and the country. The academy and its students deserve every support and success."

Tom Alexander, CEO of Orange UK, said: "We work in one of the fastest paced industries in the world and it is therefore essential that we hire young people with the skills, ability and drive to become the future leaders of our business. The NEA is a superb way to do just that and we are proud to be supporting this great initiative."

The NEA is part of a national network of 16 skills academies (12 now active) that are driven by business and delivering high-quality skills that business needs across all the key sectors of the economy. About 880,000 people will be trained by the 16 National Skills Academies during their first five years of operation, securing about 130m pounds in employer investment.

The Department for Business, Innovation & Skills is building a dynamic and competitive UK economy by creating the conditions for business success; promoting innovation, enterprise and science; and giving everyone the skills and opportunities to succeed. To achieve this it will foster world-class universities and promote an open global economy.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Peter Jones told how his young daughter already tells him stories about how to set up a business. And although the enterprise academy was for teenagers, he wanted to see youngsters aged seven to ten learning business skills.

"When I read children's books, I want to see little John start a business on the corner. I want to see more business theoretical children's books, rather than John being pushed in a pushchair to buy six apples," he said.