June saw Flourish partner with Leigh-based 3D Printing organisation 3D360 to deliver a 3-day course at our new Flourish Hub. A diverse group of learners from across Stockport & Manchester took part in the course, gaining skills in:
- Assembling a 3D printer
- Basic CAD
- 3D printing a number of small items
As the team at Flourish had previously undertaken the training ourselves, we were confident that it would be popular, and we weren’t mistaken… the course was over-subscribed and a number of learners went on to complete the course at 3D360’s training centre in Leigh.
Participants were delighted with their results, reporting that the course had “given them confidence to build things from scratch”. They said it was “explained well”, and that they’d “highly recommend it”, that they “can’t wait to start printing” and also saying it was an “opportunity for networking and meeting new people”
3D printing courses such as this one are great because they allow everyday people access to the information they need to create 3D items with pinpoint precision using a cheaply-built, yet reliable printer that (with a little bit of training) is easy and intuitive to use.
More public access to this technology can improve people’s capabilities allowing their creativity to flourish and enabling them to develop businesses ideas based on the products they can prototype or create. Plus biodegradable material options, minimal waste and transportation and opportunities to repair means that 3D printing can provide countless environmentally-friendly applications.
With this in mind, Flourish hopes to run more courses like the one here at our Heaton Chapel Hub, in order to create future enterprise opportunities.
Across Flourish-hosted programmes and referral pathways more than 30 people from across the Flourish network in the Greater Manchester and Cheshire area have been trained in 3D printing, and are now up and running printing with their very own printers secured on completion of the course.
To find out more about 3D360 courses and how you can get started with 3D printing visit 3D360’s website.
The course was possible thanks to EU funding via the GMCA & skills for life programme as well as People’s Postcode Lottery.
