Taster days
Introduction
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: 7 December
Time: 3.30pm – 5.00pm
Date: 7 February
Time: 3.30pm – 5.00pm
Date: 8 May
Time: 3.30pm – 5.00pm
This session will give you an insight into life as a bricklayer. You will have an introduction to how to build a wall in our purpose-built workshop, have a tour of the centre and look at our Level 3 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 - FULLY BOOKED
Date: 5 December
Time: 3.30pm – 5.00pm
Date: 6 February
Time: 3.30pm – 5.00pm
Date: 7 May
Time: 3.30pm – 5.00pm
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 booking form. Please wear suitable clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty in the workshop.
Joinery
Date: 5 December
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 6 February
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 7 May
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
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. Bring a change of clothes.
Plastering
Date: 5 December
Time: 3.30pm – 5.00pm
Date: 6 February
Time: 3.30pm – 5.00pm
Date: 7 May
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
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.
Please wear suitable clothing/overalls for the workshop as it will be hands-on in a dirty environment. Bring a change of clothes.
Plumbing
Date: 7 December
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 7 February
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 8 May
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
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 booking form. Please wear suitable clothing/overalls for the workshop as it will be hands on in a dirty environment. Bring a change of clothes.
Engineering Centre
Design Engineer
Date: 7 December
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 29 February
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 16 May
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Introduction to Engineering Design using 3D Software (Solidworks) Visit our state-of-the-art Design Suite to experience what is like to be a design engineer. Under the guidance of one our expert lecturers, you will be following a brief to design and conceptualise a product that is suitable for 3D printing. The winning product will then be printed on-site by our technician and posted to the candidate (plus some Kirklees College literature & freebies). We will be using VDU so if you wear glasses, it is recommended you bring them with you. Please bring some stationary and a notepad with you on the day.
Engineering Fitter
Date: 7 December
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 29 February
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 16 May
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Visit our state-of-the-art Mechanical Engineering Workshop and experience what it is like to be an engineering fitter. Under the guidance of one of our expert lecturers, you will use a variety of hand tools to work and shape a blank piece of metal into a useful product. Please provide your boot size on booking form.
Fabrication and Welding
Date: 7 December
Time: 4.00pm – 5.30pm
Date: 29 February
Time: 4.00pm – 5.30pm
Date: 16 May
Time: 4.00pm – 5.30pm
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.
Mechatronics Engineer
Date: 7 December
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 29th February
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 16 May
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Visit our state-of-the-art electronics lab and experience what it is like to be a mechatronics engineer. Under the guidance of one of our expert lecturers, you will learn the basics of how to program a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) to activate our model security system and prevent a diamond heist!
Motor Vehicle
Date: 22 November
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.30 pm
Date: 21 February
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.30 pm
Date: 15 May
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.30 pm
This taster session will give you a hands-on experience of the average working day for a motor mechanic. Set up as a circuit, you will make your way round different stations of activities to try, including changing a car wheel, under bonnet fluid level checks, changing/ checking spark plugs, four stroke cycle and model car racing. 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.
Huddersfield Centre
AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians)
Date: 5 December
Time: 4.15 pm – 5.15 pm
Date: 8 February
Time: 4.15 pm – 5.15 pm
Date: 14 May
Time: 4.15 pm – 5.15 pm
After initial instructions, you will undertake a money management challenge. During this challenge, you will gain experience in the practical processes of entering petty cash receipts, working on petty cash book, balancing and completing cash reimbursement. Please bring a pen and calculator with you on the day.
Art and Design
Date: 7 December
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.30 pm
Date: 14th March
Time: 3.30 pm- 5.30 pm
Date: 20th June
Time: 3.30 pm- 5.30 pm
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: 7 December
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 8 February
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 9 May
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
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 to create lined and curved patterns in these haircuts, followed by men’s blowdrying and finishing services.
Beauty
Date: 6 December
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 7 February
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 15 May
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
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
Date: 29 November
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 9 February
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 20 June
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
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.
Education and Early Years
Date: 30 November
Time: 4.00 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 1 February
Time: 4.00 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 9 May
Time: 4.00 pm – 5.00 pm
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 course and ask questions about working in the industry. All equipment will be provided for you.
Esports
Date: 22 November
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 24 January
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 1 May
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
You will be given the opportunity to experience a lesson taught by our current Esports students. During this lesson, you will be shown various aspects of the course, including but not limited to business skills within esports, designing a logo and researching different esports teams and tournaments.
Games Development
Date: 22 November
Time: 3.30 pm – 5 pm
Date: 24 January
Time: 3.30 pm – 5 pm
Date: 1 May
Time: 3.30 pm – 5 pm
You will be introduced to the world of games, researching 2D games and then working with peers to develop your own 2D game idea and presenting this back to the group.
Health and Social Care
Date: 30 November
Time: 3.45 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 1 February
Time: 3.45 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 9 May
Time: 3.45 pm – 5.00 pm
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: 30 November
Time: 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm
Date: 1 February
Time: 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm
Date: 9 May
Time: 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm
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 from industry experienced professional chefs. Please wear full shoes, not open toe or canvas pumps/ trainers. All hair should be tied back and no jewellery.
ICT
Date: 6 December
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 7 February
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 15 May
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
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.
Media
Date: 29 November
Time: 3.30pm – 5.00pm
Date: 7 February
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 15 May
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
This taster event is for 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 flip books 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: 6 December
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 7 February
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 15 May
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
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: 7 December
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.15 pm
Date: 7 February
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.15 pm
Date: 9 May
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.15 pm
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 and keyboard player, everyone is welcome.
The recording along with performance studio is probably the most important part of any artists 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 which will provide you with a fantastic experience in studio recording. You will have the opportunity to use our recording studio and use Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software to create a track.
Performing Arts
Date: 29 November
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 31 January
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 8 May
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
If you’re passionate about performing and interested in a career in the industry, our industry professionals can teach you the tools need to get there. You will explore multiple theatre styles, such as musical theatre, stand-up comedy, acting for TV and film, physical theatre and more. Dress in comfortable workshop clothing that is appropriate for movement/ dance.
Public and Uniformed Protective Services
Date: 13 December
Time: 3.30 pm – 4.45 pm
Date: 31 January
Time: 3.30 pm – 4.45 pm
Date: 7 May
Time: 3.30 pm – 4.45 pm
Get stuck in with the Uniform Protective Services (UPS) team at Kirklees College at our taster sessions! Effective and efficient teams are an essential element of the work conducted by the uniformed public services. In our tasters, you will participate in several scenario-based activities to explore your ability to work as a team member, solving problems and making informed decisions to overcome challenges. You will also have the opportunity to:
- Find out more about the courses on offer
- Take a tour of the facilities and find out what it’s like to study UPS at Kirklees College
- Hear from current students
- Meet the subject tutors
- Partake and observe various practical demonstrations
Science
Date: 13 December
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.30 pm
Date: 7 February
Time: 3.30 – 5.00 pm
Date: 8 May
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Science is involved in all elements of life, death and the future. Find out more about how biomedical science keeps us alive and healthy, forensic science helps us determine the cause of death and applied science paves the way for the future in scientific innovation. Please wear long sleeves and closed toe shoes.
Sport & Physical Activity
Sport and Physical Activity
Date: 6 December
Time: 3.30 pm -4.45 pm
Date: 6 February
Time: 3.30 pm – 4.45 pm
Date: 15 May
Time: 3.30 pm – 4.45 pm
If you have a passion for sport and are considering a career in sport, health and performance, then our courses could be perfect for you. At this taster, you will have the opportunity to:
- Find out more about the courses on offer
- Take a tour of the facilities and find out what it’s like to study sport at Kirklees College
- Hear from current Sport students
- Meet the subject tutors
- Partake and observe various practical demonstrations from injury prevention, health assessments, coaching philosophies and player analysis
You are required to wear suitable clothing for physical activity. It is advised that you bring a drinks bottle or a bottle of water.
Sport & Fitness
Sport and Fitness
Date: 7 December
Time: 3.30 pm – 4.45 pm
Date: 8 February
Time: 3.30 pm – 4.45 pm
Our gym instructing and personal training diploma are the perfect courses to guide you into a successful career in the fitness industry. At this taster you will have the opportunity to:
- Find out more about the courses on offer
- Take a tour of the facilities and find out what it’s like to study fitness at Kirklees College
- See current fitness students in action
- Hear from the subject tutors
- Partake in a practical demonstration to discover the key ingredients required in executing effective physical activity sessions.
You are required to wear suitable clothing for physical activity. It is advised that you bring a drinks bottle or a bottle of water.
Travel and Tourism
Date: 29 November
Time: 3.30pm – 5.00pm
Date: 31 January
Time: 3.30pm – 5.00pm
Date: 8 May
Time: 3.30pm – 5.00pm
Come and experience life working in the exciting world of Travel and Tourism 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 learn how to deliver a welcome meeting to try your hand as a resort rep. Please wear your school uniform.
Pioneer Higher Skills Centre
Art & Design
Date: 14 December
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 22 February
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 16 May
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
This will be an interactive session where you will design and make a small product using Illustrator and laser cutting technology. You will have an insight into drawing for design and application onto 3D products, such as jewellery or home accessories. Aprons will be provided but please wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
Barbering
Date: 15 December
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 1 March
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 17 May
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
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.
Hairdressing
Date: 12 December
Time: 3.30 pm – 5 pm
Date: 27 February
Time: 3.30 pm – 5 pm
Date: 14 May
Time: 3.30 pm – 5 pm
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.
Beauty Therapy - Manicure
Date: 11 December
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 26 February
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 13 May
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
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.
Springfield Sixth Form Centre
Business
Date: 14 December
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 29 February
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 16 May
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Do you want to work in a business or do you want to start your own business? Business knowledge can 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.
Education and Early Years
Date: 28 November
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 30 January
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 7 May 2024
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Do you want to work in an Early Years environment? Do you want to be part of the growth and 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 get to chat with our tutors about our different courses and ask questions about working in the industry. All equipment will be provided for you.
Games Design
Date: 18 December
Time: 3.30pm – 5pm
Date: 5 March
Time: 3.30pm – 5pm
Date: 20 May
Time: 3.30 pm – 5pm
Don’t just play games, make them! In this session, you will learn about different game themes such as 2D platform, endless runner, puzzle-based logic games and you will practice using industry standard software to design your own game!
Health and Social Care
Date: 28 November
Time: 3.30pm – 5.00pm
Date: 30 January
Time: 3.30pm – 5.00pm
Date: 7 May
Time: 3.30 pm- 5.00 pm
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.
ICT
Date: 11 December
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
Date: 26 February
Time: 3.30pm – 5.00pm
Date: 13 May
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.00 pm
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.
Motor Vehicle
Date: 6 December
Time: 3.30pm – 4.45pm
Date: 7 February
Time: 3.30 pm – 4.45pm
Date: 8 May
Time: 3.30pm – 4.45pm
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: 30 November
Time: 3.30pm – 5.30pm
Date: 8 February
Time: 3.30 pm – 5.30pm
Date: 16 May
Time: 3.30pm – 5.30pm
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.
Landscape and Horticulture
Date: 1 December
Time: 10am – 12pm
Date: 9 February
Time: 10am – 12pm
Date: 17 May
Time: 10am – 12pm
Have you ever wondered what goes into building gardens like at the Chelsea Flower Show or Love Your Garden on TV? In this taster session, you will have hands-on experience understanding how to build a garden patio and undertake planting.
Please wear safety boots if you have them, however steel capped wellingtons can be provided.
