Commercial Regeneration
Ruskin Mill has been a college for just over twenty years, but a commercial centre for more than two hundred: first as a working mill and then as home to craft workshops and a centre for cultural events.
Likewise, Glasshouse and Freeman Colleges were historically centres for manufacturing and commerce. These collapsed, were re-colonised and are now centres of production and commerce as much as education.
This symbiotic relationship between education and commercial activity offers students a challenge that is rarely offered elsewhere. Involvement in the market economy develops work-based skills which are much in demand, but more importantly, bring a personal reward: a sense of achievement, self-worth and inclusion in society.
What's in it for businesses?
Typically, a skilled craftsperson will receive a benefit in kind, such as accomodation at subsidised rates or gallery space, in return for providing teaching or work experience.
Some businesses, such as the cafes and shops, are wholly owned subsidiaries of the Trust, serving the needs of the community through the products they sell and the employment opportunities they give to local people.
Visitors take away organic produce and beautiful craftwork and the leave us with ideas, suggestions, new friends and opportunities.
This symbiotic relationship between education and commercial activity offers students a challenge that is rarely offered elsewhere. Involvement in the market economy develops work-based skills which are much in demand, but more importantly, bring a personal reward: a sense of achievement, self-worth and inclusion in society.
What's in it for businesses?
Typically, a skilled craftsperson will receive a benefit in kind, such as accomodation at subsidised rates or gallery space, in return for providing teaching or work experience.
Some businesses, such as the cafes and shops, are wholly owned subsidiaries of the Trust, serving the needs of the community through the products they sell and the employment opportunities they give to local people.
Visitors take away organic produce and beautiful craftwork and the leave us with ideas, suggestions, new friends and opportunities.
