Your Print Specialists (YPS) has been appointed as a learning partner at Studio West Newcastle after installing a Mimaki CJV30-130 wide-format inkjet printer and laser-engraver into the ‘project-based learning’ school, where YPS is also set to mentor and give the youngsters insight into the wide-format printing industry.
Based in Tyne-and-Wear, YPS has been delivering hardware, software and support to print providers for many years. Managing director Garry Brown explained: “We’ve got a vast amount of knowledge within our team at YPS and we felt it would be worthwhile to work with a local educational institution and pass some of this on to young people to try to do our bit to preserve the future of print. We feel the pioneering curriculum at Studio West is a wonderful way to teach students practical skills as well as academic subjects and we’re really excited about having the opportunity to be involved.”
He added: “We’ve just commissioned a Mimaki CJV30-130 digital inkjet printer into Studio West for student use. In addition to providing a printing setup, we have also installed an Epilog Laser Helix 18in x 24in engraver, which facilitates engraving of wood, plastics, acrylics and stone as well as many other substrates. Kit like this will really give the students a hands-on opportunity and allow them to explore concepts from design through to manufacturing.”
Studio West is more akin to a workplace than a school and has been inspired by High Tech High in California, aiming to build confidence, team-working and communication skills for the 13 to 19 year olds by combining subjects together into project-based learning and implementing new teaching methods. Working closely with external businesses is crucial to the success of the projects, as principal designate, Val Wigham explained: “Having businesses partnering with Studio West ensures the students are working on relevant, real-life projects that will equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to move onto an apprenticeship, employment or university. By working with businesses from a wide selection of industries we can match students to the projects appropriate for their required learning experience and strengths.”