The education pledge.

Providing unique learning experiences for the next generation of designers

In recent years, the UK’s Design and Technology (D&T) education sector has faced significant challenges, leading to a concerning decline in GCSE and A-Level entries. Earlier this year, the Design Council reported a 67% decrease in GCSE Design and Technology entrants between 2011 and 2023, (Design Council, 2024). A series of factors are believed to have led to this, including but not limited to; curriculum and qualification changes, recruitment challenges and funding cuts (Design and Technology Association, 2023). As resources become more limited, students are more likely to miss out on the opportunity to fully develop the knowledge, skills and personal experiences that this subject offers.

As Product Design graduates who studied Design and Technology throughout our secondary education, we understand the importance of hands-on learning and recognise the crucial role that D&T plays in fostering creativity, problem-solving, and technical skills. Without the support of our design and technology classes at school, we wouldn’t have built the skills or had the opportunity to set the foundations of our careers and be where we are today.

In support of the ‘Blueprint for Renewal’ (Design Council, 2024) we have put together a package of context-based learning solutions aimed at assisting the adjustment towards a broad, balanced and creative curriculum. We understand that our offer will not cause a drastic change to student uptake however, we truly believe that our training and Gravity Sketch’s capabilities can act as a stepping stone to increasing numbers and bringing a new generation into Design and Technology.

Our offer.

To support an uptake in Design and Technology and inspire students to take on design in their academic careers, we are pleased to announce the launch of our Education Pledge.

At Mesh Training, we pledge to prioritise support for Design and Technology education in schools and colleges to help inspire the next generation of innovators and designers.

The education pledge is very much a dynamic project and will develop as time goes on. To support this we would like to actively encourage open conversation across industry and education to optimise the services that we can provide. If you have any suggestions or would like a 1:1 conversation with the team, please do not hesitate to get in-touch.

Cost Effective Training

All training whether bespoke or standardised is discounted for the education sector. Simply email the team at info@meshtraining.co.uk from your education email address to unlock your discount code.

Specialist Support

Drawing from our industrial design experience in industry and academia, we’re always on hand to support you with the highest quality, jargon-free information and resources you need to bring Virtual Reality into your department.

Teaching Resources

Once you’re up to scratch with the software, you’ll be ready to share it with your classes across the school. To help you out, we can advise on creating context-based syllabus content, mixed method design challenges (combining VR and real-world design practices) and provide teaching material such as presentation rooms and interactive learning experiences that are ready to be ‘dragged and dropped’ into your workspace. Contact the team for further information: info@meshtraining.co.uk

Case Study Report

View the latest case study report from our three-session long bespoke training session for Leicester Grammar School’s Year 12 Design and Technology students and their teachers. Students are currently in the midst of their Architectural drawing project, requiring them to ‘design a 2-bed detached bungalow and surrounding garden overlooking a picturesque valley.’.

Two people using virtual reality headsets and controllers in a workshop setting at a Mesh Training Workshop for Design and Technology students
People in a classroom using VR headsets and controllers, sitting at desks in a Design and Technology workshop
People in a classroom wearing VR headsets, seated at desks, as an instructor stands talking.
A classroom with people wearing virtual reality headsets, seated at desks. A person stands at the front, speaking or instructing.
Several people in a classroom wearing VR headsets and using VR controllers, surrounded by tables, chairs, and equipment.
3D models of humanoid figures interacting with abstract shapes, including a pink object and a wooden structure, in a light gray grid environment.
Two 3D human-like figures sitting on abstract benches against a gray background
A group of people in a classroom setting with a large screen displaying a 3D modeling software interface. One person is wearing VR goggles, while others are seated at a table with a 3D printer and various tech gadgets.
A group of people in a room at PrintCity, engaged in a 3D printing workshop with a presenter using augmented reality equipment.
A group of people in a modern office space wearing virtual reality headsets, seated and standing around tables. A large screen displays information in the background. The room has white walls, a ceiling with fluorescent lights, and large windows.
The Leicester Grammar School Logo with black and gold shapes forming a circle, featuring cross-like figures

Member of staff - Leicester Grammar School

“The team are very welcoming in their approach to training. They were very good at helping our pupils to relax into using the headsets - this is especially important for those who have no prior experience of VR. They made the sessions fun, engaging and interesting without getting frustrated when people were struggling.”

Student - Leicester Grammar School

“I really liked the fact that I could use my hands to move and make my design instead of using a computer”