DesignIT! Ceramics Launch
Following the success of PrintIT! Proskills, the Sector Skills Council for the process and manufacturing sector, has launched another four ‘Schools into Industry Programmes’ which includes DesignIT! Ceramics launched at Ceramics 2010 on the 14th October at Britannia Stadium with the aim to attract young people into the Glazed Ceramics industry.
DesignIT! Ceramics designed for students studying GCSE & A Level Art & Design students and the Diplomas in Creative & Media and Manufacturing & Product Design aims to enthuse and educate young people about the opportunities that are available to them in the exciting and dynamic Ceramics industry.
The project asks students to research and design a product, identifying the type of raw materials used and their origin, the production processes involved, and to show their understanding of environmental issues in the Glazed Ceramics industry.
Jo Chapman, Education and Schools Programmes Manager for Proskills comments: “We’ve launched these programmes to excite, enthuse and educate young people about the opportunities available to them as well as help find talent for the future and encourage local businesses to support their local school.”
Using free teaching materials provided through the Proskills schools programmes web sites web sites, students are required to research and design eco-friendly products for these industries using sustainable manufacturing techniques and materials.
There is also the possibility for participating schools to have access to a twinning scheme that links schools with local employers that have joined the scheme, for students to visit as part of the research and development stage.
Students not only get hands on learning but the twinning scheme also gives an insight into possible career paths as well as potential work experience or apprenticeship opportunities for the future and we are looking for companies to sign up to the twinning scheme which links schools with local ceramics companies to offer advice and support to teachers and students. This is a chance for industry to play its part in the future of the industry by helping to educate and inspire young talent.
Wes Auden, HR Manager at Dudson comments “Whenever we have worked closely with local schools and colleges, we have been impressed by the creative talent of our young people. Their enthusiasm to understand the world of work and the different career opportunities within manufacturing businesses is infectious. Programmes that encourage and prepare future talent for working within UK manufacturing can only be good for the UK economy.”
Jo Chapman continues, “Thousands of teachers across the UK have already experienced the award winning Proskills Schools into Industry Programme, showing students that manufacturing is an exciting, dynamic industry that provides a good career choice.
“Over 1,000 schools and 100,000 students have already taken part in PrintIT!, which was designed to introduce young people to the exciting world of the graphic arts and printing industry and we hope to be able to have the same impact on the Glazed Ceramics industry.”
For more information visit: www.theits.org.uk
