About Us
Supporting D&T Education since 1989
The Design & Technology Association is a registered charity founded in 1989 to champion best practice in design and technology education in the UK and beyond. We work to connect education with business and industry, bringing real-world design into the classroom and showing young people what’s possible beyond exams. We believe every learner should have the opportunity to study D&T through GCSE, A-level and beyond.
Supporting Teachers
We are, first and foremost, a membership organisation that works to assist teachers, support staff and students nationally, advising on design and technology curriculum planning, delivery and assessment and providing tried and tested learning resources to be utilised in schools.
We provide INSET and Professional Development opportunities for teachers and support staff, recognising that our subject content moves fast and how important it is for teachers to stay updated with industry-standard technologies for teaching to be relevant and to set up ‘next steps’ in student learning. Through our highly skilled network of Health & Safety trainers (RDTHSCs), we provide accredited health and safety and machine training to schools, colleges and universities nationally.
Advocating for Impact
We are a relatively small charity that aims to deliver an impact larger than its size. Lobbying and subject advocation have become a significant part of our DNA in recent years as we work hard to convince decision-makers of the importance of our subject for student development, societal purpose and as we seek to send problem solvers, creative thinkers and resilient learners into higher/further education and the jobs market. We work closely with business and industry through various initiatives designed to better connect students and their teachers to the world of work.