Football club boss goes back to college to inspire students

Millionaire businessman and Huddersfield chairman Dean Hoyle has signed up to his former college’s alumni scheme.

Kirklees College is hoping to involve its alumni to help inspire the current crop of youngsters to aim high.

Mr Hoyle attended Dewsbury and Batley Technical and Arts College as an engineering apprentice in 1984.

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He said: “I left school with no qualifications and started as an engineer’s labourer on a YTS scheme.

“My employer spotted potential and put me forward for an apprenticeship at the college.

“I soon realised that if I started to apply myself, then I could achieve more and in 1986 I was presented with the apprentice of the year award.

“It was this moment that I understood how hard work and determination can pay off and it was a turning point in my life. I worked in engineering until I was 24 and then decided to become self-employed.”

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He added: “College gave me the confidence to go solo. I knew that setting up my own business could be a risk, but I had my fall back option with my engineering qualification and experience if things didn’t work out.”

In 1997, Mr Hoyle opened the first of what became a chain of Card Factory stores, eventually selling the business in 2010. He has been chairman of Huddersfield Town for six years.

He added: “I love being with Huddersfield Town. It’s a club I always supported and now I feel we can really make a difference to the community.”

His commitment to Kirklees College’s alumni programme includes making guest speaker appearances to inspire students and champion further education, particularly qualifications that go hand in hand with a trade.

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When asked what advice he would give to school pupils making their choices for life and career after school he said: “Everyone in life has an opportunity, the difference is some take it and some don’t.”