Mike Mawson, Heritage Link Worker for The Arcade Group in Dewsbury, recently visited Springfield Sixth Form Centre as part of an ongoing collaboration with Kirklees College.
The session supported Level 2 students on the combined Business Studies and Law programme, as well as those studying Level 2 Work Skills.
Mike delivered a 45‑minute presentation introducing students to his role within The Arcade Group and exploring:
- The Arcade’s wider business objectives
- Its community‑focused aims
- The organisation’s regeneration mission for Dewsbury
The presentation helped students make meaningful, real‑world connections between their academic units and the work of a live local organisation. This engagement forms part of our commitment to strengthening employer links and enriching curriculum experiences across the college.
Over the last few weeks, students have been embarking on a real-world enterprise and digital skills project inspired by The Arcade, exploring how independent businesses, creative start-ups, and entrepreneurs can thrive in a changing retail landscape.
Paul Ramsden, Personal Development Tutor at Kirklees College, said: “A huge thank you to Mike Mawson for delivering this inspirational session with us. The relationship with The Arcade has been highly beneficial for our students and is something we hope to continue developing.”
Amazing feedback from The Arcade Group
Mike Mawson, Community Engagement Officer at The Arcade Dewsbury, said: “We have been work placement providers and supported student enrichment at Kirklees College for almost four years now. The creative and marketing resources that the Level 3 Art & Design students have produced have been invaluable in our mission to restore and reopen the lovely Victorian shopping arcade in The Arcade in Dewsbury. We have exhibited all the creative pieces in our temporary ‘Pop-Up’ space in Dewsbury Town Centre, and they have been a focal point for our engagement with local residents. We have also used many of the marketing images directly in our marketing of The Arcade and its retail units.
“More recently, we have contributed to the learning objectives of both the Level 2 Business and Level 2 Law students by giving insights into our business model and plans for the regeneration of Dewsbury. Our relationship with the college has been hugely rewarding and mutually beneficial. Long may it continue!”
Study Business at Kirklees College
The college’s range of Business courses provide students with the necessary skills to develop a good understanding of the business environment and the different functions that operate within different organisations.