Linking the classroom and commerce to develop our future
A new approach bringing together teachers, schools, the Design & Technology Association and industry to strengthen design and technology education, region by region.
Why D&T matters
D&T develops the skills our future needs
Design and technology develops problem-solving, creative thinking, technical understanding, practical skills and project-based collaboration, all of which are increasingly important to employers.
Yet teachers face growing pressures, from reduced curriculum time and limited CPD to financial constraints and a lack of local networks.
Industry and education working together
Investing locally. Strengthening D&T. Building our future.
The UK faces persistent shortages of engineering, manufacturing and technology skills, while participation in D&T and specialist teaching capacity continue to decline.
Industry has an important role to play in changing this. By investing in D&T education in the regions where businesses operate, companies can help strengthen local teaching, connect young people with real-world opportunities and build awareness of the careers and skills their industries need.
For schools and teachers, this means access to additional resources, local support and opportunities to connect with industry. For businesses, it is an opportunity to make a meaningful, long-term investment in the future workforce.
What could this mean for teachers?
Support that comes closer to you
Teachers in funded regions can access locally delivered CPD at no cost, alongside a range of resources, expert guidance, E-Learning and opportunities to connect with industry.
The support available differs between primary and secondary, so we've created dedicated pages to help you find what is relevant to you.
Meet the Regional D&T Leaders
D&T Hub Schools
The impact
Building a stronger future for D&T
Our ambition is to reach thousands of schools, tens of thousands of teachers and hundreds of thousands of children.
For teachers, that means greater confidence, stronger curriculum provision and better access to professional networks and development. For pupils, it means greater awareness of D&T, local industry and future career opportunities.