Clean Cars, Brighter Futures: Supporting Youth Through Social Enterprise
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“For the price of a car wash, you’re helping create life-changing opportunities.”
The Genuine Futures Taste of Enterprise
This programme is helping young people turn ambition into action. At Woodlands Aurora School, a group of students recently came together in an engaging and tense brainstorming session to name their new business. After bouncing around lots of ideas and putting it to a vote, the name “We Shine Any Car” won with 12 enthusiastic thumbs up.
With a name they’re proud of and a vision in place, the students are now excitedly planning their first community car cleaning event — and they’ve already secured 22 customers. It’s more than just a business. It’s a chance to gain hands-on experience, learn real skills, and start paving the way to a brighter future.
A Real Enterprise With Real Purpose
At first glance, We Shine Any Car might look like a simple school car wash. But it’s much more than that. It’s a hands-on learning experience that’s helping young people at Woodlands Aurora School build confidence, gain life skills, and take real steps toward employment.
This school-based enterprise was created and is proudly run by students, with guidance and support from Genuine Futures and the Taste of Enterprise programme. And it’s already making a real difference in the lives of those involved.
Real Skills, Real Confidence
Young people in this programme don’t just clean cars. They’re learning what it means to start and run a business. From setting prices and managing bookings to delivering customer service and working as a team, they’re involved in every step of the process.
They also receive professional training in car cleaning, learning how to clean, shine, and detail vehicles to a high standard. For those interested in going further, students gain valuable work experience and are introduced to employment pathways — including opportunities in vehicle detailing, a valued skill in the automotive industry, especially in dealerships where presentation is key.
“Participants gain transferable skills that can be used in any workplace — teamwork, communication, and responsibility,” says Sam Smith, founder of Genuine Futures. “But even more than that, they grow in confidence. I have seen first-hand so many young people thrive, and we are already seeing that in just 3 sessions they have grown in confidence.”
Students have also shared their excitement: “I never thought I’d enjoy cleaning cars, but now I actually look forward to coming in,” said one participant. Another added, “It feels good doing something people appreciate — I feel proud.”
Why This Matters
For many of these students, school hasn’t always been an easy place to thrive. They’ve often faced obstacles that can get in the way of learning — whether that’s social challenges, confidence issues, or barriers to accessing mainstream education.
That’s why a practical, supportive, and hands-on initiative like We Shine Any Car matters so much. It gives students a chance to shine (literally), showing them what they’re capable of and opening up new possibilities for the future.
According to the Prince’s Trust Youth Index (2023), 1 in 5 young people in the UK say they don’t believe they will ever be successful in life. Programmes like this aim to challenge that mindset, one car at a time.
Clean Car Club: Support With Purpose
Supporting We Shine Any Car is easy, and it genuinely makes a difference.
By joining the Clean Car Club, individuals and local businesses can contribute directly to the development of these young people. In return, members receive:
- Exclusive discounts on car cleaning services
- Special offers throughout the year
- Priority access to community car cleaning events
But most importantly, you’ll be making a real, positive contribution to the future of a young person who might just need that first boost of belief.
Coming to a school near you — helping fuel the future, one car clean at a time.
A Model for Community and Enterprise
This programme isn’t just about cars. It’s about showing what’s possible when schools, community organisations, and businesses work together with a shared goal — helping young people succeed.
“We Shine Any Car is a shining example of what happens when young people are given the right support at the right time,” says Mike Alleyne, Director of Genuine Futures. “We’re not just teaching them skills, we’re showing them they have a future worth striving for.”
“Genuine Futures is built on belief — belief in the potential of every young person, even when they don’t see it themselves,” adds Sam Smith, Founder of Genuine Futures. “Watching the students at Woodlands Aurora name and launch their own enterprise is exactly the kind of transformation we strive for.”
We Shine Any Car is a standout example of what social enterprise can look like in education. It’s practical, inclusive, and genuinely aligned with the values of social responsibility.
And at a time when young people face uncertainty in the job market, the opportunity to develop real-world skills in a safe and supportive environment is more important than ever.
Want to Help Fuel the Future?
There are a few simple ways you can get involved:
- Book a car wash – Support the programme directly while getting your vehicle cleaned by a trained team.
- Join the Clean Car Club – Receive benefits while making a meaningful difference.
- Spread the word – Share this article, tell a friend, or connect your business with the initiative.
- Whether you’re a local resident, a parent, a business leader, or someone who just wants their car to shine — your involvement matters.
“For the price of a car wash, you’re not just getting a clean car — you’re helping a young person take a step closer to a brighter future.”