Kirklees College students swap text books for trading!

The Christmas markets will be held in Dewsbury and Huddersfield and will include handmade Christmas items, health and beauty products, homemade food and drink and craft items.

Chris Cotton, markets manager at the Kirklees Council, said:

“Kirklees Council is investing heavily in markets in our borough. They’re the heart of our communities and we’re proud to provide a platform for the next generation of market traders.”

Prior to setting up their stalls, students benefitted from a ‘Markets Masterclass,’ where Yorkshire-based young entrepreneurs, Frankie Farrar, Nicky Mills, and Ryan Davis, visited the college to share their experiences of running market businesses.

Learners pitched their business ideas and received feedback from the entrepreneurs. Students then had a practice run on a market stall to see how they could display their goods and entice the customers to spend. 

The National Market Traders Federation (NMTF) also spoke to students and delivered a programme to get them ready to trade.

Joe Harrison, chief executive of the NMTF, said:

“Market stalls are where you can turn your passion into a profit. I’m sure the Christmas markets will be a great success and I hope to see the students trade as part of our youth programme in 2020.”

The Christmas markets will take place in Dewsbury on Saturday 30 November, and in Huddersfield on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December. Both markets are open 10am to 4pm.

On the day, students will be in complete control of their stalls. From stock and pricing through to display and promotion. Kirklees Council and the NMTF will be on hand to advise but it is all up to them to sell out and make a profit.

Christian Thersby, head of business at Kirklees College, said:

“This is what makes learning at Kirklees College different. By working with external partners, we are providing a real experience for students where they can see that hard work pays off.”