Become a Trimble SketchUp ambassador

Published 2nd February 2026

Trimble is opening the door to a new, fully funded professional development opportunity designed specifically for secondary design and technology teachers. The Trimble SketchUp Ambassador Programme is now recruiting 16 teachers from across the UK who want to build confidence, deepen subject knowledge and bring industry-standard 3D modelling into their classrooms. 

This easy-to-join programme has been created with teachers’ time, workload and classroom realities firmly in mind. It offers structured support, practical training and the chance to be part of a growing national network of SketchUp users in schools. 

High-quality CPD that fits around school life 

Teachers selected as ambassadors will receive five after-school training sessions delivered by Trimble’s own expert trainers. Each session lasts 90 minutes, giving a total of 7.5 hours of high-quality CPD spread across the academic year. 

The focus is on practical use of SketchUp for teaching design and technology. Between sessions, teachers are encouraged to try out simple tasks either in school or in their own time. There is no formal homework, just opportunities to practise, experiment and bring real questions back to the next session. This approach helps teachers translate new skills directly into classroom practice, supporting pupils’ design thinking, modelling skills and confidence with digital tools. 

Ambassadors will also benefit from ongoing support, including a named contact at Trimble who understands the challenges of working in schools and can help resolve issues as they arise. 

Building local networks and classroom impact 

In return for the training and support, each ambassador will help introduce three other local secondary schools to the programme. While those teachers will not become ambassadors themselves, they will receive additional training sessions and webinars from Trimble, helping them build confidence and consistency in using SketchUp with pupils. 

By the end of the year, the programme aims to create: 

• 16 ambassador schools across the country 

• Each ambassador supporting three additional schools 

• A strong and growing network of teachers confident in using SketchUp in the classroom 

Teachers involved will also have opportunities to contribute to product testing and receive information about curriculum updates, ensuring classroom practice stays relevant and future-focused. 

For teachers, this means access to up-to-date tools, clearer pathways for teaching 3D modelling and stronger links between classroom learning and industry practice. For pupils, it means engaging lessons, improved visualisation skills and greater confidence in communicating design ideas. 

Find out more and get involved 

Teachers who are interested in becoming a Trimble SketchUp ambassador, or who would like to know more about how this programme could support their department, are encouraged to get in touch. 

To express interest or request further information, contact Debbie.woodbridge@designtechnology.org.uk