PLANS by one of the country’s richest businessmen to turn teenagers into entrepreneurs have been criticised by teachers.

John Caudwell, owner of Phones 4u, is offering to make millionaires out of 14-year-olds by training them to sell computers.

The company, which has stores across the region, will offer part-time work demonstrating and selling hand-held computers to so-called junior high-flyers.

The ones who stand out will be followed by the company until they leave university, when they could be in with a chance of a working in a career with a six-figure salary.

‘‘We want the brightest kids around,’’ said Mr Caudwell.

‘‘Those who emerge as the cream will stay on our database through university, with the possibility of making it to managing director status by the time they’re 30 — and my MDs can earn £400,000 a year at that age.’’

The Stoke-on-Trent firm would employ teenagers on a salary of around £3 an hour and the youngsters would work no more than six hours a week.

But Joy Clarke, director of sport at Failsworth School, said: ‘‘It could distract children from their schoolwork. This could have an effect on vital years of the children’s education.’’

Headteacher of Egerton Park Arts College, in Denton, John Hart said: ‘‘I can understand this may look attractive from a businessman’s point of view, but I don’t think it’s in the best interests of 14 and 15-year-olds.’’

An NUT spokesman said they would advise their members to look carefully at the plans and added: ‘‘There are moral issues here that need to be considered.’’

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