Listed - Hugh Baird College

Industry Relations
Why is Industry Support Important?
Foundation degrees are degree level, vocational qualifi cations. A foundation
degree is very practically based, giving students hands on practical
experience whilst developing critical thinking skills through sound research
and project development.
A foundation degree is developed with vast support and input from industry,
allowing the course to equip students with the vital skills identifi ed and needed
by employers.
Live Projects
Live projects are a vital part of study. They provide students with the
experience and confi dence to work with clients in realistic industry sectors.
The world of interfacing with clients is very different to working on a brief
within an academic environment; students must be able to demonstrate good
communication skills as ultimately it will be the client that will be choosing the
design they feel best fi ts their purpose.
In the design industry, an important skill to be able to present a design to a
client. A student will gain the experience needed to talk through their design
rationale and explain the justifi cation of their design decisions.
In some cases the client will ask students to work in design teams in order to
move the design forward to completion.
Industry Links
Chris White (Bootle Town Centre Manager)
“I have worked with the Visual Merchandising and Promotional Design team
for over a year.
I fi rst came into contact with the Lecturers and Students when I approached
them to work on the Branding of Bootle as a live project. I was very impressed
with the enthusiasm of the students and the quality of the work produced,
which led to the creation and adoption of the “All Together Better Bootle”
Brand in the town and local businesses. The Students helped to Dress
Bootle Town Hall for the Bootle Awards in April 2009 which has led to further
requests to support other functions.
I have since been on the validation panel for the BA (top-up) course ,
delivered a session on Marketing and Brand awareness in retail and now I am
a member of the judging panel at the annual end of year degree show.”
Lesley Paterson (Chief Executive), SWACA
The students from the Visual Merchandising & Promotional Design course
were contacted to design and dress the venue for SWACA’s Hollywood Ball
fund raising event.
“Thanks to the design students who did a fabulous job on the night. They
contributed greatly to the success of our October Hollywood Ball. The night as
a whole was the most successful fund raising event that Sefton Women’s and
Children’s Aid has ever had.”
Melodie Higgins (Interior Design Manager), IKEA
“We’ve been very impressed with what we’ve seen of Hugh Baird College.
The students’ awareness of the market, their professionalism and confi dence
demonstrate that they are industry ready and this makes them very
marketable. The tutors are amazing and both they and the students should be
very proud.”
- 6 - - 7 -