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Taster Days

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TASTER DAYS AT KIRKLEES COLLEGE

Welcome to the Kirklees College taster session page for students, teachers and parents/carers.

With so many options available to you, deciding what to do when you finish school can be a difficult decision to make. To help make your decision easier, the Student Recruitment team host a variety of activities across our different curriculum areas to see what you enjoy and make the move to college less daunting.

Please note that there will be no additional learning support available for students at our Taster Days.

How do our taster sessions work?

Taster sessions are a great way to explore your interests and decide whether a subject is the right choice for you. They are open to students in Years 9 – 13. Sessions are targeted to Year 11-13 during October to December, Year 9-10 during January to Easter and Year 9 during Easter to June.

To book on to a session, click the ‘Book a Taster’ button.

COURSE INFORMATION

Click to find out what you will do on a taster session

Brunel Construction Centre

Brickwork

Date: Tuesday 1 December 2026
Time: 4pm – 5:30pm

Date: Wednesday 9 February 2027
Time: 4pm – 5:30pm

This session will give you an insight into life as a bricklayer. You will have an introduction on how to build a wall in our purpose-built workshop, have a tour of the centre and look at our Level 2 students’ technical work. Please wear sturdy shoes or safety boots if you have them. Safety boots can be supplied but there are limited sizes available. Please provide shoe size on the booking form. Please wear suitable clothing/overalls for the workshop as it will be hands-on in a dirty environment and bring a change of clothes.

Electrical

Date: Wednesday 9 December 2026
Time: 4pm – 5:30pm

Date: Wednesday 24 February 2027
Time: 4pm – 5:30pm

In this practical session, you will look at how electrical circuits work. You will be given extra low voltage transformers, connect lights, one-way, two-way, and intermediate switches that will offer control to different parts of a circuit. We will also look at how to wire a circuit into a consumer unit. Please wear sturdy shoes or safety boots if you have them. Safety boots can be supplied but there are limited sizes available. Please provide shoe size on the booking form. Please wear suitable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty in the workshop.

Groundworks

Date: Tuesday 1 December 2026
Time: 4pm – 5:30pm

Date: Tuesday 9 February 2027
Time: 4pm – 5:30pm

This hands-on session will give you an insight into groundworks at Kirklees College. You will take part in some practical work in our brand new on-site training area tailored for civil engineering. You will be given an insight into cutting construction-related materials, laying modular paving, laying and finishing concrete and laying bituminous materials. Please wear sturdy shoes or safety boots if you have them. Safety boots can be supplied but there are limited sizes available. Please provide shoe size on the booking form. Please wear suitable clothing/overalls for the workshop as it will be hands-on in a dirty environment and bring a change of clothes.

Joinery

Date: Tuesday 8 December 2026
Time: 4pm – 5:30pm

Date: Tuesday 23 February 2027
Time: 4pm – 5:30pm

This session will give you an insight into joinery at Kirklees College. You will have a demonstration and take part in some practical work. You will also get to chat to our experienced tutor who can answer any questions about working in the construction industry. Please wear sturdy shoes or safety boots if you have them. Safety boots can be supplied but there are limited sizes available. Please provide shoe size on the booking form. Please wear suitable clothing/overalls for the workshop as it will be hands-on in a dirty environment and bring a change of clothes.

Plastering

Date: Tuesday 8 December 2026
Time: 4pm – 5:30pm

Date: Tuesday 23 February 2027
Time: 4pm – 5:30pm

This session will give you an insight into plastering at Kirklees College. You will have a demonstration in our workshop and take part in some practical work. You will also get to chat to our experienced tutor who can answer any questions about working as a plasterer. Please wear sturdy shoes or safety boots if you have them. Safety boots can be supplied but there are limited sizes available. Please provide shoe size on the booking form.

Plumbing

Date: Tuesday 1 December 2026
Time: 4pm – 5:30pm

Date: Tuesday 9 February 2027
Time: 4pm – 5:30pm

This session will give you an introduction to plumbing at Kirklees College. You will have a demonstration in our workshop and take part in some practical work. You will also get to chat to our experienced tutor who can answer any questions about working as a plumber. Please wear sturdy shoes or safety boots if you have them. Safety boots can be supplied but there are limited sizes available. Please provide shoe size on the booking form. Please wear suitable clothing/overalls for the workshop as it will be hands-on in a dirty environment and bring a change of clothes.

Engineering centre

Engineering

Date: Tuesday 8 December 2026
Time: 4pm – 5.15pm

Date: Tuesday 23 February 2027
Time: 4pm – 5.15pm

Introduction to Engineering with a taster session designed to cover aspects of the design, manufacture and finishing process. These sessions are built around a hands-on approach to learning, where all the students will draw, programme, run and polish a component to a high standard. Very much a day in the life of an engineer. All candidates will have a tour of our state-of-the-art facility and leave us with a goodie bag. Please wear full shoes.

Fabrication and Welding

Date: TBC
Time: TBC

Date: TBC
Time: TBC

In this session, you will get hands-on with our state-of-the-art virtual welder to see what it is like to weld and experience various demonstrations given by industry experienced tutors. You will also get your hands dirty with our practical CNC press brake and folding up exercises and create something to take home with you. Please wear loose clothing and safety boots. If you don’t have safety boots, we can provide these. Please provide shoe size on booking form

Motor Vehicle

Date: Thursday 10 December 2026
Time: 4pm – 5pm

Date: Wednesday 10 February 2027
Time: 4pm – 5pm

Experience carrying out tasks that commonly occur within the Motor Vehicle industry. You will participate in a carousel which will allow you to complete tasks such as electrical circuit building, removing and refitting spark plugs, removal and refit of road wheels or any other task that you may find. Please wear suitable clothing (no shorts) and wear sturdy shoes or safety boots if you have them. Safety boots can be supplied but there are limited sizes available. Please provide shoe size on booking form.

Huddersfield Centre

Art and Design

Date: Wednesday 9 December 2026
Time: 4pm – 5pm

Date: Wednesday 10 February 2027
Time: 4pm – 5pm

An interactive session where you will experiment with art materials and techniques that you can take home and add to your own portfolio. Aprons will be provided but please wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.

Barbering

Date: Wednesday 9 December 2026
Time: 4pm – 5pm

Date: Tuesday 23 February 2027
Time: 4pm – 5pm

In this taster session you will experience a basic introduction to barbering. You will learn how to use various clipper attachments to create basic men’s haircuts of differing lengths. You will also have the opportunity of creating lined and curved patterns in these haircuts, followed by men’s blowdrying and finishing services.

Beauty Therapy

Date: Wednesday 9 December 2026
Time: 4pm – 5pm

Date: Tuesday 23 February 2027
Time: 4pm – 5pm

This taster session will include an introduction to the beauty courses that we run. You will learn the basic techniques for manicures, nail art, nail plates and facials in our well-equipped, modern beauty salon. You will get to chat to our tutors about our different courses and ask questions about working in the industry. Please tie long hair back.

Business & Enterprise

Date: Wednesday 9 December 2026
Time: 4pm – 5pm

Date: Thursday 11 February 2027
Time: 4pm – 5pm

Do you want to work in a business or start your own business? Business knowledge can be applied to many different areas of industry, you can gain an understanding of the skills through this taster course. Problem solving, project and time management are excellent employability skills. This taster session will give you an insight into the application of these skills in a business working environment. Measure the skills you already have and enhance them in readiness for your next level of study or employment.

Digital Development

Digital Development (Games, Software & Web Development)

Date: Wednesday 9 December 2026
Time: 4.30pm – 5.30pm

Date: Wednesday 10 February 2027
Time: 4.30pm – 5.30pm

Lesson Objectives:
By the end of the session, students will: Understand the key principles of digital design as used in Games, Web & Software Development, and Content Creation for Esports. Learners could learn the development cycle of different apps, software or games. Learners could learn how to plan and create branding and/or videos.

Objective:
Introduce the concept of digital design, project management, and social media planning.

Task:
Students design a basic app, web, game or social media video, fit for public release.

Education and Early Years

Date: Thursday 3 December 2026
Time: 4pm – 5:30pm

Date: Thursday 11 February 2027
Time: 4pm – 5:30pm

Do you want to work in an Early Years environment? Do you want to be part of the development of babies and children in the Early Years sector? If you have answered yes to these questions then you would really enjoy our hands-on taster session. You will have lots of fun getting your hands dirty by creating sensory activities and developing your understanding of why these activities are important for all areas of growth and development in babies and young children. You will also have the opportunity to chat with our tutors about our different courses and ask questions about working in the industry. All equipment will be provided for you. Please dress in clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. We like to be very creative and may be using messy equipment such as paint, play dough, corn flour and glue.

Hairdressing

Date: Wednesday 9 December 2026
Time: 4pm – 5pm

Date: Tuesday 23 February 2027
Time: 4pm – 5pm

In this taster session, you will be able to show off your creative side and have an introduction to the different hair courses we provide. You will learn how to create different hairstyles and possibly experiment with different temporary colours and hairpieces—let your imagination go wild!

Health and Social Care

Date: Tuesday 8 December 2026 
Time: 4:15pm – 5:15pm

Date: Tuesday 23 February 2027
Time: 4:15pm – 5:15pm

Do you want to work with people? Does caring for people interest you? Would you like to become a professional within the Health care sector, like a nurse, radiographer, ODP, midwife or within the Social care sector as a Social Worker, Youth and Community Worker, Primary School Teacher or support worker. This taster session will give you an insight into working in Health and Social Care. You will find out about all the exciting career pathways that studying Health and Social Care can lead to. You will get the opportunity to ask our tutors questions about the courses available. You will be able to take a look at our facilities and experience what student life is like at Kirklees College. You will take part in activities looking at the importance of communication and working as part team. At Huddersfield you will also be given the opportunity to take part in some practical activities in our amazing virtual hospital ward.

Hospitality and Catering

Date: Tuesday 10 December 2026
Time: 4:30pm – 6pm

Date: Wednesday 10 February 2027
Time: 4:30pm – 6pm

Cooking is a great way to impress friends and relatives and can lead to a career working all over the world. Learning to cook develops important life skills such as communication, confidence, and team working. Come and cook in Kirklees College’s state-of-the-art training kitchens where you will be shown dishes and techniques by industry-experienced professional chefs. Please wear full shoes, not open-toe or canvas pumps/trainers. All hair should be tied back and no jewellery.

Media

Date: Thursday 10 December 2026
Time: 4pm – 5pm

Date: Thursday 11 February 2027
Time: 4pm – 5pm

This taster event is ideal if you would like to dip your toe into media and learn a little about some aspects of this creative programme. The event will focus on making Claymation figures to explore the far-reaching potential of animation. There will be an opportunity to see the media classrooms and meet our tutors to find out more about our courses.

Media Makeup

Date: Wednesday 9 December 2026
Time: 4pm – 5pm

Date: Tuesday 23 February 2027
Time: 4pm – 5pm

Not for the faint-hearted, this taster session is ideal if you are a budding TV and film makeup artist. You will receive an overview of the course – blood and gore included! You will learn how to create real life scars and wounds using fake blood and store cupboard ingredients. Please wear school uniform and tie your hair back if it is long.

Music and Performance Technology

Date: Tuesday 8 December 2026
Time: 4pm – 5pm

Date: Tuesday 23 February 2027
Time: 4pm – 5pm

Enjoy a taster session for Music Performance and Music Technology. Professional performance starts with excellent rehearsal techniques. Come along to our taster jam session in professionally equipped rehearsal rooms. Whether you’re a vocalist, guitar player, bass player, drummer, or keyboard player, everyone is welcome. The recording along with the performance studio is probably the most important part of any artist’s career. Whether you’re a producer, part of a full-scale rock band, or even someone who wants to learn music arrangements, you will have access to our music studios, live room, vocal booth, and rehearsal spaces, providing you with a fantastic experience in studio recording. You will have the opportunity to use our recording studio and Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software to create a track.

Science

Date: Thursday 3 December 2026
Time: 4pm – 5pm

Date: Wednesday 10 February 2027
Time: 4pm – 5pm

A scenario led investigation into drug development (chemistry), the effect of drugs on the body (biology), and how medical equipment can be used to further analyse the effect of drugs on the body (physics). Wear: Closed shoes, long sleeves, long hair tied back.

Sport & Fitness

Date: Tuesday 8 December 2026
Time: 4pm – 5pm

Date: Thursday 11 February 2027
Time: 4pm – 5pm

Ready to turn your passion for Sport or Fitness into a career?


If you’re driven by a love for sport and curious about careers in health, coaching, gym instructing, personal training, athletic development and analysis, our Sport taster session is your chance to experience it all. Get hands-on with our dynamic activities and explore what it’s really like to study sport with us and build the skills that matter.
• Find out more about the fitness courses on offer
• Take a tour of the facilities and find out what it’s like to study at Kirklees College
• Hear from current students about their experiences
• Meet the expert tutors who’ll guide your journey
• Take part in and observe practical demonstrations


Come dressed for movement! Wear suitable clothing for physical activity and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated.

Travel, Tourism and Aviation

Date: Tuesday 8 December 2026
Time: 4pm – 5pm

Date: Tuesday 23 February 2027
Time: 4pm – 5pm

Come and experience life working in the exciting world of Travel, Tourism and Aviation at Kirklees College where you will be coached by staff who have all worked in a variety of roles within the industry. You will become a member of KC Airlines in our state-of-the-art cabin where you will learn how to do a safety demo using the on-board equipment and cabin PA, you will also experience how to marshal an aircraft. Please wear your school uniform.

Uniformed Protective Services

Date: Tuesday 8 December 2026
Time: 4pm – 5pm

Date: Thursday 11 February 2027
Time: 4pm – 5pm

Get involved with the Uniformed Protective Services (UPS) team at Kirklees College through our exciting taster sessions!


Teamwork is at the heart of everything in the uniformed public services, and our tasters are designed to help you experience that first-hand. You’ll take part in a range of scenario-based activities that challenge your problem-solving skills, decision-making, and ability to collaborate effectively.
During the session, you’ll also have the chance to:
• Discover more about the UPS courses available
• Explore our facilities and get a feel for student life at Kirklees College
• Hear directly from current students about their experiences
• Meet the expert tutors who’ll be guiding your learning
• Watch and take part in practical demonstrations

Please wear sports or practical wear.

Pioneer Higher Skills Centre

Art & Design

Date: Thursday 10 December 2026
Time: 4pm – 5pm

Date: Thursday 11 February 2027
Time: 4pm – 5pm

An interactive session where you will experiment with art materials and techniques that you can take home and add to your own portfolio. Aprons will be provided but please wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.

Barbering


Date: Thursday 10 December 2026
Time: 4pm – 5pm

Date: Thursday 25 February 2027
Time: 4pm – 5pm

In this taster session you will experience a basic introduction to barbering. You will learn how to use various clipper attachments to create basic men’s haircuts of differing lengths. You will also have the opportunity of creating lined and curved patterns in these haircuts, followed by men’s blowdrying and finishing services.

Beauty Therapy

Date: Thursday 3 December 2026
Time: 4pm – 5pm

Date: Wednesday 10 February 2027
Time: 4pm – 5pm

In this practical session you will learn how to shape nails, push back cuticles and buff and polish. Please attend with clean nails without polish and no acrylic, gel or false nails.

Hairdressing

Date: Thursday 3 December 2026
Time: 4pm – 5pm

Date: Thursday 11 February 2027
Time: 4pm – 5pm

In this taster session you will be able to show off your creative side and have an introduction to the different hair courses we provide. You will learn how to create hair pieces to add to hairstyles that you have created and experiment with different temporary colours – let your imagination go wild! Please wear either school uniform or black top and smart trousers.

Springfield Sixth Form Centre

Business & Enterprise

Date: Thursday 3 December 2026
Time: 4pm – 5pm

Date: Wednesday 10 February 2027
Time: 4pm – 5pm

Do you want to work in a business, start your own business, or work in law? Business and Law knowledge can both be applied to many different areas of industry and you can gain an understanding of the skills through this taster session. Problem solving, project and time management are excellent employability skills and this session will give you an insight into the application of these skills in a business working environment. Measure the skills you already have and enhance them in readiness for your next level of study or employment.

Construction Multi Skills

Date: Thursday 10 December 2026
Time: 4pm – 5:30pm

Date: Thursday 11 February 2027
Time: 4pm – 5:30pm

This session will give you an introduction to our construction multi skills course at Kirklees College. Taking place in our new construction workshop located at our Springfield Sixth Form Centre, you’ll get a chance to take part in some practical work and get stuck in. Safety boots can be supplied but there are limited sizes available. Please provide shoe size on the booking form. Please wear suitable clothing/overalls for the workshop as it will be hands-on in a dirty environment and bring a change of clothes.

Digital Development

Digital Development (Games, Software & Web Development)

Date: Thursday 3 December 2026
Time: 4pm – 5pm

Date: Wednesday 10 February 2027
Time: 4pm – 5pm

Cyber security, programming apps, and games development are all exciting subjects. Take part in this taster to find out how your device works and learn how to keep your data safe, as well as getting hands-on learning how to create games.

Education and Early Years

Date: Tuesday 8 December 2026
Time: 4pm – 5pm

Date: Tuesday 23 February 2027
Time: 4pm – 5pm

Would you like to find out more about Education and Early Years? A career in education is where you can make a positive difference to babies and young children’s learning and development. We offer a range of courses that can lead to different pathways in working with children. This can include an early years practitioner, teaching assistant, early years teacher, primary school teacher, child psychologist, working with children with special educational needs, behaviour support worker, play therapist and many more. Come along to our taster session where you can have fun exploring sensory activities, learning why they are important to a child’s early learning and development. Prepare to get messy and have fun to show how children learn! During this session you will get a chance to chat to our tutors about the different courses and opportunities in the industry. We look forward to welcoming you to this session so that you can find out more.

Health and Social Care

Date: Tuesday 8 December 2026
Time: 4pm – 5pm

Date: Tuesday 23 February 2027
Time: 4pm – 5pm

Do you want to work with People? Does caring for people interest you? Would you like to become a professional within the Health care sector, like a nurse, radiographer, ODP, midwife or within the Social care sector as a Social Worker, Youth and Community Worker, Primary School Teacher or support worker. This taster session will give you an insight into working in Health and Social Care. You will find out about all the exciting career pathways that studying Health and Social Care can lead to. You will get the opportunity to ask our tutors questions about the courses available. You will be able to take a look at our facilities and experience what student life is like at Kirklees College. You will take part in activities around health checks, basic health assessments and sensory activities in the group.

Motor Vehicle

Date: Monday 7 December 2026
Time: 4pm – 5pm

Date: Monday 22 February 2027
Time: 4pm – 5pm

Are you looking for a career in the Motor Vehicle industry? Do you want to experience what it’s like to be a Motor Vehicle student at Kirklees College? Join us on one of our interactive taster sessions and take part in our Pit Stop Challenge! You will have the opportunity to carry out a Formula 1 style pit stop against the clock and the fastest team will win a prize. You will get the opportunity to ask a teacher questions, take a look at our facilities and experience what student life is like at Kirklees College. Please wear sensible clothing (no shorts) and wear sturdy shoes or safety boots if you have them. Safety boots can be supplied but there are limited sizes available. Please provide shoe size on booking form.

Taylor Hill Animal Centre

Animal Care and Agriculture

Date: Thursday 3 December 2026
Time: 4pm – 5pm

Date: Thursday 25 February 2027
Time: 4pm – 5pm

Do you want to become a zoo keeper or look after animals? You will meet the extensive collection of animals, including our reptiles and birds, and enjoy a hands-on experience learning how to care for the different animals. Please wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty.

Dog Grooming

Date: Thursday 3 December 2026
Time: 4pm – 5pm

Date: Thursday 25 February 2027
Time: 4pm – 5pm

Do you love dogs and want to learn how to pamper them like a pro? Join our Dog Grooming Taster session and get a fun, hands-on introduction to the world of grooming. You’ll meet some of our friendly dogs and discover how to brush, bath, and handle them safely. Learn about different coat types, try out some basic grooming techniques, and see professional equipment in action. This interactive session is perfect for anyone thinking about a career working with dogs – or just wanting to understand more about keeping them happy, healthy, and looking their best. Please wear clothes you don’t mind getting hairy.

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