South Lanarkshire College embeds entrepreneurial learning within supported education programmes through College Way Market, a sustainable enterprise initiative for learners with Additional Support Needs (ASN). Delivered across SCQF Levels 2–4 programmes including Skills for Independence, Skills for Life and Work and Skills for Employment, around 30 students gain practical experience of retail, sustainability and customer service by managing a boutique-style clothing market within the college.
Context and Rationale
College Way Market began as a pop-up initiative designed to address student poverty by providing free, high-quality clothing, including interview wear, to students across the college. By offering accessible clothing in a dignified retail-style environment, the initiative aimed to reduce barriers to participation while promoting equity and sustainability.
Due to strong engagement and positive student feedback, the project evolved into a permanent boutique-style shop located at the college entrance. The space was designed collaboratively with construction students, creating an opportunity to integrate entrepreneurial learning directly into ASN programmes.
The initiative allows learners to engage in authentic retail and sustainability activities with visible outcomes, helping them understand how creativity, resourcefulness and innovation can contribute to both social and economic sustainability.
The Learning Activity
College Way Market is embedded within the curriculum of supported programmes at SCQF Levels 2–4 and forms part of assessed units including Volunteering Awards, Work Placement and Enterprise Management.
Students manage the day-to-day operations of the market, gaining practical experience of workplace routines such as stock organisation, quality checking, hygiene processes and teamwork. Learners receive clothing donations, assess the condition of garments, steam and clean items, attach tags and prepare stock for display.
A key aspect of the project is decision-making around product preparation. Students determine which items are suitable for sale, which require repair and which can be creatively upcycled. Sewing and upcycling sessions encourage learners to transform garments into new products, demonstrating how value can be created from materials that might otherwise be discarded.
Teaching approaches centre on experiential learning, peer collaboration and regular formative feedback. Assessment takes place through observation of practical tasks and achievement of SQA unit outcomes.
External engagement also enriches the learning experience. A partnership with ACS Clothing, a leader in circular fashion, helps students understand the wider environmental and industry context of textile reuse and sustainable retail practices.
Through these activities, learners develop initiative, problem-solving abilities and entrepreneurial thinking while contributing to a socially impactful enterprise within their college community.
Skills and Capabilities Developed
The project develops a wide range of entrepreneurial and employability skills through authentic enterprise activities.
Students build opportunity recognition and problem-solving skills by identifying how donated clothing can be reused, repaired or transformed into new products. Upcycling activities encourage creativity and innovation, reinforcing the principles of sustainability and circular design.
Customer interaction within the market strengthens communication and service skills, while stock preparation and quality control build attention to detail and organisational ability. Collaborative activities also develop teamwork, confidence and resilience, as learners work together to manage tasks and respond to challenges.
These experiences support broader meta-skills including self-management, initiative and adaptability. By engaging in real enterprise activities, learners develop confidence in their abilities and gain an understanding of how entrepreneurial thinking can create social and economic value.
Impact and Outcomes
Students involved in College Way Market report increased confidence, independence and readiness for employment through hands-on experience of running a real enterprise environment.
The project has supported progression into opportunities including Project Search placements, further education courses, volunteering roles and paid employment. Stakeholders note improvements in learners’ communication, adaptability and resilience, helping prepare them for work and lifelong learning.
Beyond individual outcomes, the initiative delivers significant social impact by reducing student poverty, promoting dignity and choice, and diverting clothing from landfill. Institutionally, College Way Market strengthens South Lanarkshire College’s commitment to sustainability and inclusive education.
Future development will expand the initiative into College Way Enterprise, introducing four micro-enterprises: CW Boutique (retail), CW Crafted (production), CW Cart (hospitality) and CW Events (event management).
Student Feedback
“It was an interesting experience, learning how much clothes are wasted but how you can re-use and re-sell items.”
— Nate Taggart, Level 4 Skills for Employment Student
Further Information
College Way Market Wins CDN Sustainability Action Award: https://www.slc.ac.uk/more/news-and-events/south-lanarkshire-college-wins-two-prestigious-college-development-network-awards
CDN Sustainability Action Award Shortlist Summary: https://indd.adobe.com/view/d7a26fae-bd43-4974-888b-b9fe5f7042b5
Skills for Employment (SCQF Level 4): https://www.slc.ac.uk/course-results/4572-skills-for-employment-scqf-level-4