Skills Support for the Workforce

Our Skills Support for the Workforce project invited businesses, artists and small traders into our Fab Lab to take part in a course that trained them how to use the kit and then how to adapt it to their practice.

The Skills Support for the Workforce project was an intensive 6 day course aimed at businesses and craft practitioners. Participants were introduced to all the different approaches to designing and making that Fab Lab Plymouth has to offer. This included computer aided design using Rhino 3D and Illustrator, using the laser cutter, working with the different types of 3D printers that we have and subtractive modelling using CNC (Computer Numerical Control) milling. The course provided the skills needed to unlock the potential of digital fabrication for a variety of different ideas, products and projects.

As well as getting makers up to speed with the latest digital tools our dedicated team of specialists helped with the development and refinement of individually focussed work. With the help of expert guidance those on the course achieved outstanding results that changed the way they thought about designing and making for ever, but don’t take our word for it - see what previous participants have said about the course...

"The FabLab has been an extraordinary experience, I have learnt so much from Ian and my fellow students on our recent short course. I can't wait to use the facilities on offer at the FabLab in our product development at Dartington Crystal."
— Emma Irvine, Design Technician at Dartington Crystal (Torrington) Ltd

"It has opened up doors to new ways of thinking about projects that I have had on hold for many years. Now I can use scanning and printing of delicate objects instead of moulding and develop this into my bronze casting work. It feels great to see that the info learnt in just six sessions has opened up such possibilities."
— Luke Shepherd, Portrait Sculptor