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Gateshead College students launch retail startup at intu Metrocentre

A trio of Gateshead College students have launched a new retail venture at the Intu MetroCentre.

The handPICKED project, a first for a North East college, is an independent outlet where students are able to trial their retail ideas and ambitions before going to market on their own.

The store can accommodate dozens of retail focused startups established by students – it’s anticipated that upwards of 100 young entrepreneurs from the college will be involved during the project’s 18-month trial.

Students Tom Heightley, 17, Connell Scott, 18, and Connor Wilson, 17, have been turning their hand to thornier issues as part of their studies towards completing their Performing Engineering Operations Level 2 qualification this summer.

The green-fingered youngsters have been using all the skills and techniques gained on their course to craft the decorative roses from sheet metal before welding them together to the highest degree of accuracy.

After fabrication in the workshop, the roses are being displayed and marketed at handPICKED before being sold for upwards of £30 apiece.

Connell Scott said the project’s providing the chance to gain not only technical expertise but also softer customer-focused sales skills: “I’ve enjoyed the process thoroughly, from the design to the finished product”.

Judith Doyle, principal and chief executive at Gateshead College, said: “Well done to Tom, Connell and Connor. They reflect how students are benefiting from the investments we are making to enhance their learning and bridge the skills gap.

“We are equipping them with the entrepreneurial knowledge and training that will stand them in good stead for a successful career, providing that all important edge that employers look for in an employee.

“It is part of our wider aim of ensuring that our students are the most highly prized in the jobs market.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ellen Forster .