Building closer links between schools and industry

Oct. 17, 2011 - PRLog -- An industry-based competition for schools led by Proskills, the Sector Skills Council for the process and manufacturing sector, the MakeIT! Furniture programme helps students develop their creative skills and introduces them to the major challenges facing the furniture industry. This kind of exposure is crucial to developing the technical skills and knowledge that will underpin the future development of the UK furniture industry.  

Now Proskills is aiming to build on the success of MakeIT! Furniture by establishing a twinning programme between schools and furniture companies to give students practical experience of the industry. Attracting emerging talent is crucial to the long-term future of the furniture industry, so Proskills is calling for companies to work with them in promoting the career opportunities it offers.  

Participating students will have the opportunity to visit a local furniture company, learn about their work and gain valuable insights into the industry. This will also bring long-term benefits to the companies involved, heightening awareness among students of the scope for individual creativity in the furniture sector and encouraging them to consider it as a career option.

Students are the next generation of the workforce, so investing in their skills makes long-term economic sense. By demonstrating just how vibrant and varied the furniture industry can be, and how practical skills can aid career development, companies can attract talented new entrants to the sector and build for the future.    

This is particularly relevant at a time of widespread economic uncertainty and intense debate over the future of higher education. While Britain’s universities will continue to play a major role in educating future generations, a degree is no longer a passport to a good career and employers increasingly value practical experience.

The development of closer links between schools and industry holds real relevance in these terms. The MakeIT! Furniture twinning programme will help ensure that students develop the kinds of skills valued by employers, so Proskills is keen to hear from furniture companies who are ready to twin with a local school.

If you would like to get involved in MakeIT! Furniture and support the ongoing
development of the furniture industry then please visit www.theits.org.uk , where you can register as a twinner, or get in touch via the contact details below.  

ENDS

Notes to Editors:
For further information on the MakeIT! Furniture programme and how you can get involved, contact the MakeIT! Furniture Team at Proskills on 01235 432018 or e-mail sii@proskills.co.uk or makeitfurniture@proskills.co.uk  

About Proskills:
Proskills UK is the bridge between employers and Government on skills and training. Employer-led by nine key industries, Building Products, Coatings, Extractives, Furniture, Glass, Glazed Ceramics, Paper, Print and Wood industries which make a third of the UK manufacturing sector. Proskills UK helps to raise the profile and sets the skills standards and qualifications for the sector and ensures that the skills and funding delivers against the current and future needs of the industries.
About MakeIT! Furniture:
MakeIT! Furniture is an industry-based project and competition for schools, mapped to the national curriculum and Diplomas. It familiarises students with how furniture is designed and made in the Furniture, Furnishings and Interiors  Industry through researching and designing products, and investigating the various different aspects of the industry – from sourcing raw materials to producing finished products.