Fully Funded support for schools in Bristol and the Southwest launches to connect schools and industry

Published 5th May 2026

A major new design & technology education initiative has officially launched in the Southwest, bringing fully funded support to schools and creating stronger, long-term links with industry.
The programme was launched at Aerospace Bristol on 1st May 2026, bringing together educators, industry leaders and related partners to mark the start of a new regional model designed to tackle the UK’s growing skills gap.
Backed by leading employers including Dyson and Samsung UK, the initiative will support up to 1,700 schools across Bristol, Avon and Gloucestershire, with parts of Devon and Somerset also included.

What this means for teachers in the Southwest

For teachers, this is about practical, funded support that makes a real difference in the classroom.

Through the programme, schools in the region will receive fully funded membership of the Design & Technology Association, supported by the Dyson Foundation. This unlocks:

• High-quality, classroom-ready curriculum resources
• A programme of funded, local CPD sessions to build confidence and subject knowledge
• Ongoing teacher support from D&T specialists
• Opportunities to connect students and teachers with employers through talks, visits and real-world design challenges

This is designed to reduce workload, build teacher confidence, and help bring D&T to life with real-world context.

Schools joining the programme will also be part of a growing regional network, working together to strengthen design and technology across the curriculum.

Why this is needed now!

For students, this means more opportunities to design, create and solve real problems, building confidence in skills that matter beyond the classroom.

The launch comes at a critical time. Around 76% of engineering employers report difficulties recruiting key roles, particularly in technical and sustainability-focused areas. The UK is expected to need up to one million additional engineers by 2030, including around 59,000 each year to support the green economy.

At the same time, opportunities for hands-on design and technical learning in schools have been declining.

This initiative directly addresses that gap, starting from primary level, by embedding design thinking, engineering skills and real-world problem-solving into everyday learning.

A regional model with national ambition

What makes this programme different is its regional approach. It is funded by industry, delivered locally, and built around the needs of schools and employers in each area.

In the Southwest, this means a long-term commitment from industry partners to support schools, not just one-off activities.

For industry and business organisations, the model offers a clear way to invest in future skills, support local communities and build stronger connections with education.

Looking ahead

The Southwest is the first region to launch, with further areas already in development across England and Wales. Over the next two to four years, the programme is expected to grow into a national network of 14 to 16 industry-backed regions.

Tony Ryan, Chief Executive of the Design & Technology Association, said:

“This is about bringing education and industry closer together in a way that genuinely supports teachers and gives young people a clearer pathway into the future workforce. We aim to demonstrate why learning matters beyond the examination, giving students insight of how they can thrive in a world beyond mainstream education."

Hear Tony discuss the new initiative on BBC Radio Bristol.