Programme to Introduce 3D Printing to 300 School Students

Rapid News Communications Group (RNCG), 3D Systems Corporation (3D Systems) and Black County Atelier (BCA) have announced today an initiative that will see schoolchildren get hands-on experience at the two-day 3D printing spectacular that is TCT Show + Personalize 2013, 25–26 September, the NEC, Birmingham, UK.

Building on a successful programme that has been running at the TCT event for many years, the 2013 TCT Bright Minds UK programme will see a classroom built in the heart of the exhibition floor where up to 300 schoolchildren will have their chance to get their hands on CAD and 3D Printing technologies in a workshop setting. Black Country Atelier will run the sessions with the equipment being provided free-of-charge by 3D Systems.

Duncan Wood, Chief Operating Officer at Rapid News Communications Group explained: “We have been running TCT Bright Minds UK for a number of years as part of the TCT show but have always wanted to have a greater impact on a wider range of students. This exciting new partnership for 2013 enables us to do just that. Black Country Atelier are experts in delivering education sessions in this technology area and the huge amount of equipment generously provided free of charge by 3D Systems means we are now able to scale this programme up and have a much bigger impact. We are looking forward to working with BCA and 3D Systems to really inspire the next generation of designers and engineers.”

Jing Lu, Partner at BCA, expanded: “3D Printing can be an incredibly intuitive and rewarding way for young people to engage with technology. We have been working with schools across the country to make 3D Printing accessible in the curriculum, preparing students for a new industrial revolution in design and fabrication. From hands on workshops in CAD and 3D printing, to tours of the TCT Show + Personalize led by industry experts, we are hugely excited to be part of a programme that will give hundreds of students and teachers experience of this technology.”

Cathy Lewis, Chief Marketing Officer of 3D Systems, also commented on the partnership: "We are excited to partner with Rapid News and their TCT Show and BCA on this new education initiative. It is an area that we are hugely committed to as we bring 3D printing to students and classrooms across the globe in an accessible and affordable way, this especially helps us expand our outreach in the UK."

The programme is designed for students in Secondary School education in the UK. Each session will last approximately two hours and will also give participants entry to TCT Show + Personalize. Industry led tours of the TCT Show + Personalize can also be arranged. Schools within the UK wishing to participate should contact Jing Lu (jinglu@blackcountryatelier.com) to register their interest and discuss how they can get involved. The places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.

TCT Bright Minds UK will take place within TCT Show + Personalize, 25–26 September 2013, the NEC, Birmingham, UK.  

Rapid News Communications Group, +44 1244 680222, Email: duncan@rapidnews.com.