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Software developers Planit International have joined forces with the Kitchens Bedrooms & Bathrooms National Training Group (NTG) and South Nottingham College in a new initiative to attract young design talent into the KBB sector.
The company, which develops and supplies design and visualisation software for the KBB sector, has donated 15 licences of its Planit Fusion software and a programme of user training to South Nottingham College. These resources will be used in the creation of a two-year vocational training course aimed specifically at 14 to 16 year old school children.
The scheme, which has been developed by the NTG and Local Educational Authority, aims to fulfil a number of key criteria.
And, says Planit International md Alastair McPheat, “is also significant from industry’s point of view.
“My colleagues and I at Planit International have been involved in a number of education initiatives and are keen to see the impetus of such courses grow. They offer advantages to everyone concerned – by enhancing the skills and employment prospects of students, as well as encouraging much needed young design talent to enter our industry.”
NTG ceo Renee Mascari agrees: “It offers a win-win situation all round, with tangible benefits for the Local Educational Authority and the children, as well as fulfilling the College’s remit and our industry’s needs. The pilot course provides an excellent link from education to the commercial world. I believe it is an ideal model for the future.”
Planit International is already contemplating extending the scope of its monthly design competition for commercial customers to include a category specifically for users of its Fusion design system in education.
“I frequently bemoan the lack of new talent that is joining the industry,” says McPheat. “I am therefore keen to stand alongside the NTG in supporting this scheme. I believe programmes like this are the way forward and hope that other companies in the KBB sector will throw their weight behind initiatives like this too.”
