A WORCESTERSHIRE manufacturer of design and technology equipment has received a major funding injection to help inspire the pupils and teachers of tomorrow.

HME Technology of Saxon Park, Bromsgrove, has secured backing from the Business Innovation Programme, which promotes innovation across the West Midlands by helping small businesses grow through investment and job creation.

Founded in 1984, the company supplies products including forges, brazing hearths, furnaces, welding tables, fume extraction systems, kilns, woodworking equipment, wood dust extraction systems, metal finishing and CNC machines. It is a champion of design and technology in education, fighting to keep the subject at the forefront of learning and has been awarded a five-figure sum by BIP it complete three innovative schemes.

Chairman Martyn Hale said: “We have commenced production of teacher ‘task sheets’ designed to assist design and technology teachers deliver the curriculum at key stage three and four, ages 11 to 14, with the unique emphasis on a range of machines in a school classroom. The second initiative is with the Imagineering Foundation to complete two new kits based on a project with Jaguar Land Rover. These are designed for primary school learning at key stage two covering design and technology and science. Thirdly, following accreditation from the Design and Technology Association, we are promoting the mentoring and upskilling of teachers. Historically, teacher understanding and knowledge was linked to universities but the Coalition Government have sought to direct ‘specialist’ schools to offer the facility. As a manufacturer we consider that with the range of machines we supply, and more importantly the health and safety aspect of operating some of the larger ones, we have the ideal location and resource to deliver a recognised learning programme. Design & Technology is a subject that offers a future for children in employment. It is vital to the economy because it supports innovation, technological development, skills and engineering of all kinds."

The £8.7 million BIP programme offers match-funded grants of up to £30,000 to SMEs employing up to 249 staff throughout the region, which covers Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Warwickshire, Staffordshire, Shropshire and the West Midlands.