The new school, which had its first intake of students in September, has been recruiting a number of businesses to provide work placement opportunities and real-life projects across a variety of market sectors.
Tyne-and-Wear-based wide-format reseller and trade supplier YPS will mentor the students and give them an insight into the wide-format printing sector.
Managing director Garry Brown said: “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.
“For a couple of years now I’ve attended connection events and open days and been down to speak to local schools and colleges and it just seems that there’s very little awareness in these schools of print and how it’s changed technology-wise.
“Studio West made an enquiry about the Epilog machine and I found out a bit more about the school and it’s exactly what I’ve been looking for.
“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.”
The school has recently bought a Mimaki CJV30-130 digital inkjet printer and an Epilog Laser Helix 18x24in engraver from YPS for student use.
“Kit like this will really give the students a hands-on opportunity and allow them to explore concepts from design through to manufacturing,” said Brown.
As part of the partnership YPS has offered work placements to the school’s students, which include knowledge and training, hands-on experience and job interview practice. The school’s students are also able to visit YPS’ premises to make use of other wide-format equipment from the firm’s portfolio.
“I’ve committed to taking on more kids from Studio West. I’m also investigating the idea of working with another four schools in the local area where we could potentially get involved with some sort of accredited and structured opportunity and put these kids through some formal training and qualifications,” said Brown.
Studio West, which has been inspired by High Tech High in California, aims to build confidence, team-working and communication skills for 13- to 19-year-olds by combining subjects together into project-based learning and implementing new teaching methods.
The school’s principal designate Val Wigham said: “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.”
YPS is an authorised reseller for Mimaki, Canon, Epson and Epilog and also supplies consumables, software and finishing equipment.
