海角直播

Darren takes a STEP to success

A University of 海角直播 project has been commended as providing a local firm with a new source of business.

Darren O鈥橰ourke, now a final year student on the BA (Hons) Design Marketing degree spent the summer on the University鈥檚 STEP scheme, an innovative programme that gives North East students a placement with a local firm. The STEP scheme offers the best of both worlds 鈥� paid, degree related work experience for the student while the firm receives specialist support for a specific project at a reduced rate. Darren, 21, from Wilton Village, worked with Creative Glass & Mirrors Ltd in Stockton, using his design marketing skills to develop a range of mirror designs for the firm. Previously, Creative Glass & Mirrors had made everything bespoke to order, resulting in the firm either being very busy or waiting for work to come in. Darren鈥檚 project was designed to help the firm develop a constant flow of work. After exploring the differing manufacturing processes, materials, designs, transportation issues, as well as on-line sales and e-commerce opportunities, Darren designed a collection of "organic" styled mirrors, these mirrors have now been manufactured and are currently on sale in the company showroom.

Darren was awarded the runners up prize at the local STEP "Most Enterprising Student" competition.

Darren said: 鈥淪TEP gave me the opportunity to apply my design skills, acquired at University, to a 鈥渞eal life鈥� project in industry. It鈥檚 not only great experience for my CV, but also a massive achievement to see my designs manufactured and on sale at Creative Glass & Mirrors.鈥�

STEP projects are available in small to medium sized businesses UK wide and is open to all 2nd/penultimate year students. For more information email step@tees.ac.uk or call Gilly Hall on 01642 384426.

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