WHY SHOULD I STUDY D&T?
WHAT IS DESIGN TECHNOLOGY?
Design and technology is an area of study that focuses on planning, designing and creating things (called “products”) which people use.
SKILLS FOR LIFE
Through engaging with designing and making activities in D&T, young people develop a range of skills and personal qualities which will support them through life – and are valued by employers.
These skills include independence, team working, resilience, resourcefulness, risk taking and entrepreneurship.
It is D&T that supports the development of a wide range of capabilities, within and beyond immediate subject content, which forms an essential part of education and preparation for life for all young people.
EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS (UK)
Design Engineering is important to the UK: it contributes 26% of our GDP or £127,580,000,000 to our economy.
Between 2012 and 2020, the UK economy will require 830,000 professional scientists, engineers and technologists, largely to replace those leaving engineering practice e.g. through retirement. This works out at over 100,000 new professionals each year.
Getting more young women to consider these careers is essential to the success of UK industrial strategy – currently women are less than a quarter of the workforce in four of the five most in-demand industries.
EDF Energy has launched a new virtual reality film to help promote successful women at work in STEM careers:
SPECIALISMS IN DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
While studying this subject, you can learn how to design and make anything from electronics, clothes, furniture, and even computer programs.
The subject is sometimes split up into the following categories:
