Catwalk classroom sets out to fashion more confident students in jobs marketstudents

A NEW venture is being launched in Yorkshire schools which gives a whole new meaning to the term “model pupils”.

Yorkshire models Matt Bates and Sean Hopwood have so far visited 10 schools in Bradford and Leeds to use skills they learned on the catwalk to help young people make a good impression at job interviews.

They started a business together which was originally aimed at creating a modelling school and also looked at filling a gap in the market by providing entertainment for hen parties.

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However the pair have found that their insight into what it takes to be a success in modelling has been in demand from both businesses and schools.

They developed a series of team-building events aimed at raising morale in the workplace and have now developed a programme tailored to the classroom.

The sessions are aimed at improving pupils’ interview techniques and boosting their confidence.

Yesterday the models visited Corpus Christi Catholic College in Leeds. Students learned how to dress appropriately, how to dress on a budget, interview preparation, greeting techniques, how to walk with presence, the importance of first impressions, timekeeping, how to keep a positive mental attitude, and the importance of a healthy lifestyle.

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Mr Hopwood said: “We get across serious messages in a fun and interesting way. The students can identify with us and the way we get important messages across.

“We show them how to make a good impression and how being prepared breeds confidence. We also hope we give them a bit of relief as well. We show them how to walk and get them up on the catwalk at the end.”

Mr Hopwood, who lives in Roundhay, has worked for brands such as Harrods, Hugo Boss and Flannels while Mr Bates, from Cookridge, has enjoyed an 18-year modelling career at Nemesis agency working for the likes of Berghaus, Armani, Henri Lloyd and Adidas.

He said: “Schools in West Yorkshire are bucking the trend and introducing new approaches – such as ours – to improve social mobility and give their students the best possible career chances.

“They are turning to us in ever-increasing numbers to give their students new skills, greater confidence, and an inside track on how to make a positive impact – both in and out of the classroom.”