Students from Shireland CBSO Academy’s student-run business, Happiness is Handmade, secured a new commission with West Bromwich Albion Foundation to create products for use at the Foundation’s upcoming events.
The collaboration followed a formal pitch meeting, where students presented a range of product ideas, explaining their designs and discussing how their handmade products could support the Foundation’s activities.
A representative from the club visited the students’ workspace, where the team showcased how they designed, created and developed their products, from initial ideas to finished items ready to sell.
Students launched Happiness is Handmade thorough the Academy’s enterprise club, where they began professionally developing and running their own small business while gaining practical experience in areas including product design marketing, budgeting and sales.
The commission gave students the opportunity to apply these skills in a wider professional setting, working with an external organisation and gaining valuable insight into collaborating with clients and meeting professional expectations.
School Principal, David Green, said: “Providing our students with opportunities to step beyond the classroom and apply their learning in meaningful situations is an important part of helping them recognise what they’re capable of achieving. It gives them the chance to take ownership, make decisions, learn from challenges and see the impact of their ideas.
“Enterprise isn’t just about creating a product or running a business. It’s about developing the confidence, curiosity and resilience students need to navigate the world and approach new challenges. We’re proud to support opportunities that allow students to discover their strengths, work collaboratively and build the ambition to pursue their goals.”
The commission marks another milestone moment for Happiness is Handmade, demonstrating the value of connecting classroom learning with authentic industry experiences that support students’ personal growth.
