Launched in 2010 the Design Buddy scheme has recently celebrated it’s first successful cohort.

Devised by South West Design Forum, and funded by the National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurship and the Creative Industries University Enterprise Network, the pilot scheme involved 3 Universities in the South West Bath Spa, The Arts University College Bournemouth, and Plymouth University.

The initiative offered final year design students four sessions over 12 months with senior designers working in industry.

Students benefited from increased confidence and industry insight, greater context to their learning, a better understanding of business, and improved employability.

The Universities involved benefited from improved dialogue and exposure to industry leading to better understanding of industry and its needs, opportunities for staff development, and strengthened links with industry.

For the Design businesses involved it offered a recruitment channel, a fresh perspective from the next generation of designers, insight into education, and the development of new skills.

Roger Proctor, board member of South West Design Forum, said "Design Buddy was an extremely successful collaboration between the Design industry and higher education institutions in the South West. It has resulted in jobs, internships and a better prepared workforce with stronger links between businesses and education providers. We hope the initiative has given the students involved insight, skills and the inspiration that will enable them to enter the design industry to develop successful careers and businesses.

Watch the film about Design Buddy on Youtube

For further information contact: karen@swdf.co.uk or call 01752 346530