Darren takes a STEP to success

A University of Teesside project has been commended as providing a local firm with a new source of business.

Darren O’Rourke, now a final year student on the BA (Hons) Design Marketing degree spent the summer on the University’s STEP scheme, an innovative programme that gives North East students a placement with a local firm. The STEP scheme offers the best of both worlds – paid, degree related work experience for the student while the firm receives specialist support for a specific project at a reduced rate.

Darren, 21, from Wilton Village, worked with Creative Glass & Mirrors Ltd in Stockton, using his design marketing skills to develop a range of mirror designs for the firm. Previously, Creative Glass & Mirrors had made everything bespoke to order, resulting in the firm either being very busy or waiting for work to come in. Darren’s project was designed to help the firm develop a constant flow of work. After exploring the differing manufacturing processes, materials, designs, transportation issues, as well as on-line sales and e-commerce opportunities, Darren designed a collection of "organic" styled mirrors, these mirrors have now been manufactured and are currently on sale in the company showroom.

Darren was awarded the runners up prize at the local STEP "Most Enterprising Student" competition.

Darren said: “STEP gave me the opportunity to apply my design skills, acquired at University, to a “real life” project in industry. It’s not only great experience for my CV, but also a massive achievement to see my designs manufactured and on sale at Creative Glass & Mirrors.”

STEP projects are available in small to medium sized businesses UK wide and is open to all 2nd/penultimate year students. For more information email step@tees.ac.uk or call Gilly Hall on 01642 384426.

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