Young people in Huddersfield may get a helping hand into work.

And it’s all thanks to an award-winning council-run market.

The Alternative Market, which has run in Huddersfield several times, supports young people to start and develop their entrepreneurial ambitions through a market and is designed to give young people the necessary skills and experience needed in the world of work

Now as part of a new programme – Your Alternative Market - the council is offering the opportunity to young people needing work experience aged 16-24 to get involved to organise and run their very own retail business, together with other young people.

Setting up shop at the Alternative Market

Participants will receive training and support required to transform one of the empty shops in Huddersfield town centre, into a business ready to open its doors over the May Spring Bank Holiday weekend.

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Local and national businesses are offering training as part of the programme which will see young unemployed people gain invaluable knowledge of what it takes to run a business. The skills that these young people will gain in the weeks prior to their retail unit opening will range from how to advertise and market their business to the financing, merchandising and product design which are all essential when it comes to ‘running a shop’.

Participants can sell what they want, be it handmade products, or things that have been personally chosen and customised. They may choose to offer hair and beauty treatments, or put on activities and might even want to enhance shoppers’ experiences by adding live music, a fashion show or product demonstrations.

Clr Peter McBride, said: “Often young people are overlooked when it comes to business, but this shouldn’t be the case.

“The scheme run by the Alternative Market gives young people the opportunity to learn and develop entrepreneurial skills in a practical environment within a real business scenario. Not only will they get real life work experience and gain skills on the things that are essential to run a business, but there is a potential for them to earn money.”

Those interested can register by emailing alternative@kirklees.gov.uk and attending the sign up session on Thursday, March 3, 4pm at Verve Bar, 3 Byram Street, Huddersfield, HD1 1BX.