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Students at 12 Cumbrian schools are benefiting from new digital manufacturing equipment and specialist teacher training thanks to a collaboration between 3D printing experts and industry.
Digital manufacturing business 3D 360 is providing state-of-the-art equipment and training to school teachers across the region through its Local Industry Funding Technology (LIFT) programme following funding from Sellafield Ltd’s SiX – Social Impact Multiplied programme.
The LIFT scheme allows local industry to sponsor equipment and training among teachers across Cumbrian schools to help students gain vital skills in additive manufacturing and other advanced manufacturing technology.
Lee Fogg, technical director of 3D 360 said: “Young people taking up STEM subjects has been on the decline for a number of years and the LIFT programme should help address this and dispel some of the stereotypes around digital manufacturing.
“Training the region’s teachers in 3D printing, 3D CAD, digital sculpting, vacuum forming and CNC digital die cutting will allow students to be exposed to digital skills and provide teachers with alternative teaching methods that appeal to some of the more practical or creative minded students.
“These skills are widely used across engineering, creative arts, TV and media and the health sector and could help direct Cumbrian students into apprenticeships, further education or self-employment. We are also working with Barclays Eagle Labs and Lakes College as a natural progression into higher education.
“We are extremely grateful to Sellafield Ltd. for supporting our aims through its very kind support towards the LIFT programme.
“The LIFT programme is open to companies of all sizes with various packages available, and it is a great opportunity for industry to support young people’s development and teach them new skills for life.”
Tracey West, Sellafield Ltd social impact manager said: “3D printing and digital manufacturing is going to continue to play a key role in the future. This is why we have supported the amazing work that 3D 360 is doing across Cumbria, which will help to level up the North, with students getting a step ahead in their understanding of such an important technological development.”
The LIFT programme provides three levels of sponsorship – gold, silver, bronze – that provide varying levels of support and equipment used in digital manufacturing. It is open to local businesses and companies who are looking to support education providers across Cumbria. The scheme is open to any company and they can choose to sponsor a single or multiple schools.