The MakeIT! programme is a free, curriculum-mapped competition run by Proskills UK Group and supported by the wood and furniture industries. It is aimed at showcasing the skills and careers available in the wood and/or furniture industries to students and those thinking about career options.
MakeIT! Furniture & Wood, mapped to the national curriculum, familiarises students with how furniture is designed and manufactured in the furniture, furnishings and interiors (FFI) industry. It also shows how wood and timber is grown, crafted and used in a whole range domestic and industrial uses. The programme covers researching and designing products, and investigating the various different aspects of the industries – from sourcing raw materials to producing finished products.
Students are asked to create a piece of either furniture or a wood-based product with a new closer look into the materials used, their origins, uses and sustainability. Teachers are supplied with a detailed guide book and support package that includes a series of prepared lesson plans, downloadable interactive multimedia resources and interactive presentations.
Many schools are unaware of the wide range of opportunities within the furniture and wood industries, so MakeIT! provides students with the rare opportunity to see and experience first-hand the careers available.
Chris Hyde, head of learning at the Rycotewood Furniture Centre, says of last year's event: "This was a brilliant event. The MakeIT! competition helps students to connect with their imagination and creativity. The entries seen demonstrated some good thinking and prototypes. It is very encouraging to see how the schools value learning by design and making."
Registrations are now open for the 2014-2015 programme – visit here to register.
