As part of its ongoing sponsorship of the ‘Inspired by Industry’ programme, AssetTagz is to identify a real-world construction industry Project for Design and Technology students at Key Stage 3 as part of a radical revision of the D&T curriculum for 11–14-year-olds.

AssetTagz is proud to be amongst the likes of The Whirlpool Foundation, JCB, Scalextric and Lisi Aerospace, providing these real-world challenges for students to undertake and learn from.    

‘Inspired by Industry’ is a programme by the Design and Technology Association (D&T Association) designed to improve student engagement and expose them to the practical applications of design and technology. The aim is to help prepare young people for a range of potential careers in various UK industries, including, but not exclusive to, construction.

This work, aimed at KS3 students (11-14), emphasizes relevant, meaningful real-life context and learning from industry experts. Put simply, students will work on genuine problems currently being tackled by industry professionals.

One example of an upcoming ‘Inspired by Industry’ is ‘The Washing Machine Project’. Sponsored by the Whirlpool Foundation, this grassroots social enterprise aims to alleviate the burden of handwashing clothes and empower women by providing remote, low-income and displaced communities around the world with an accessible, off-grid washing solution. Students will consider how they might improve the laundry process using the context (video-led) of a school in Uganda.

In the coming months, AssetTagz will develop a real-life construction industry-based project, which will then be contextualized for student use by staff at the Association. The project’s development includes filming on-site with our team of experts and working with the D&TA to create supporting educational content.

Tony Ryan, Chief Executive Offer at the Design and Technology Association, explains the thinking behind this innovative approach:

“Design and Technology, as a subject, is in dramatic decline within the school curriculum in the UK. This presents the very real problem of how we can continue nurturing the next generation of designers, problem solvers, and innovators.

Solving real-world issues, where students can more clearly see what they are learning and why this is important, informs and helps students positively influence the world around them. It creates an opportunity to bridge the gap between education and the workplace, supporting that vital transition and allowing the next generation to confidently step forward into a rewarding career that, in turn, positively impacts society.”

Malcolm Stagg, COO at AssetTagz added: “Inventors and engineers of the past will have almost certainly studied their craft, and it’s crucial for the future of UK industry as a whole that essential design and technology skills aren’t lost. Here at AssetTagz, we are fully behind this initiative and are delighted to be playing a key role in enabling positive future outcomes for the benefit of society.”

Read more about the Inspired by Industry programme

Read more about the Inspired by Industry real-world contexts