Students create shoe designs on work experience

Students were tasked with creating a shoe for 14-15 year-olds

More than 100 students have taken part in a new work experience project where they create their own shoe design for a world renowned shoemaker.

The scheme, in Yeovil, Somerset, is different to the normal type of work experience where one student usually shadows an employer.

Year 11 students from Preston School, Castle School and Westfield Academy worked in teams to reimagine Somerset shoemakers Clarks, for a new generation of 14 to 15-year-olds.

Bella, who designed a green running shoe for teenagers with her team, said: "I study business studies as a GCSE and it's been really interesting learning about how it all works. It's been a fun work experience with pitching and designing."

Year 11 students Ben, Yehor and Gideon decided to create a basketball related shoe as they all love sport

For five days in July earlier this year, students explored branding, digital marketing, and presentation skills, finishing in a live pitch showcase.

This was the first time the students saw their product in person at the Shoemakers Museum at Clarks Village in Street.

Gideon, a student from Preston School, created a shoe dedicated to basketball players.

He said: "I've really enjoyed it. We've gone for a red shoe called the MVP. It stands for the Most Valuable Player.

"It's shown me that I can work anywhere and given me a great experience."

Ben Lovell, a retired shoemaker and member of the Clark family judged the shoes and gave the students feedback.

He said: "This is work experience with a capital W and capital E.

"These are good shoes and it's been great to see the students reactions to their designs."

Clarks said it was an "eye-opening" experience to hear directly from young people and help shape the next generation of shoes

Sasha Spencer, director of children's at Clarks, said: "There's a good balance of new technology like AI (Artificial Intelligence) but also pen and paper and it's much more true to life than other work experience.

"Depending on who your parents knew, you would likely get a better work experience so this gives an opportunity for everyone."

There are ongoing discussions between Clarks, schools, Futures for All, The Hg Foundation, and Evo Academy about developing this as a regular project.