Appliance manufacturer BSH has sponsored two kitchen design students at Bucks New University.
Fiona Woodall and Will Callaghan, who started their course on the Foundation Degree in kitchen design in October this year, are being part-funded by BSH.
The Foundation Degree programme aims to produce more informed and creative kitchen designers with better skills, product knowledge and understanding of their industry.
Woodall and Callaghan will gain a formal qualification in kitchen design and receive training that meets the needs of a fast-paced, changing and demanding industry.
Woodall commented: “I have been working for Colliers kitchens in Worthing for four and a half years after graduating from Nottingham Trent University with a degree in Furniture and Product Design.
“I started as a junior designer and am now an experienced designer, managing my own projects and creating my own designs for customers. My past experiences in cabinet making help me to understand the construction of the kitchen and kitchen furniture and installation requirements.
“Our first residential weekend in September included a number of guest speakers including Craig Condie from Blanco, CD:UK, Fred Baier, Craig Matson, Johnny Grey, and Dale Sinclair, as well as meeting our course tutors David Gillett, Natalie Parkins, and Jonnie Bell.
“My main aim for applying for the course was to help develop my skills for the future, to learn design techniques, improve presentation skills and to meet new and influential people within the industry. I thrive to learn and develop myself and feel this course will be a fantastic step to help me build a successful future within the kitchen industry.”
Callaghan added: “I am currently working in the family business in which we are busy dealing with both kitchen and bedroom customers alongside my university coursework at Bucks.
“With the degree in the future I plan on taking all my knowledge into the industry and eventually taking over the family business, which has been an ambition of mine for some time. The way the course is going I can see myself one day becoming an industry expert and utilising the degree to my full advantage.
“I feel fortunate to have been given the opportunity by BSH to expand my knowledge and grow my skills.”