Young Rotherham College entrepreneurs get shirty for business

Rotherham College launched the initiative to give students insight into managing a real-life commercial business thanks to funding from UK Steel Enterprise’s 40:40 challenge, which marks their 40th anniversary.

The creative project, known as Flashback Design is aimed at students aged 16 to 18 studying courses from accountancy to fashion design to get hands-on experience in the world of work.

Teaming up with Rotherham Youth Enterprise and The Makers Emporium in Rotherham, the college is teach students how to manage financial records and support them in contributing designs to be printed onto blank products, as well as ready-to-wear clothing.

Art and design students have passed on their best designs to be used on T-shirts and will carry on contributing new images and motifs throughout the year.

Ann Hardy, the college’s assistant principal, said: “This exciting and creative project will provide our students with the opportunity to manage a real-life commercial business.

“It’s fantastic to have this backing from UK Steel Enterprise - without the funding we wouldn't be able to provide the equipment and opportunity for budding entrepreneurs to gain valuable experience in producing commercially-viable products.

“Students will see the profits from the sale of the products reinvested in the business so that future students can continue the project’s legacy and keep it going on a rolling basis.”