A Hereford Arts College student has been selected to display her artwork at the new Midlands Centre for Cyber Security development at Skylon Park in Hereford.
Building contractor Speller Metcalfe, who is responsible for construction of the state-of-the-art centre, joined forces with graphic and media degree-level students from the college to help raise awareness and positivity around the construction industry.
Innes Jones, course leader for graphic and media design said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for the students due to the scale of the final piece. We are very thankful to Speller Metcalfe for the opportunity as it is incredibly beneficial for them to use a real life brief as part of their Professional Practice module.”
The client brief included highlighting topical issues such as promoting the industry to women, young people, mental health awareness and environmental issues.
Second-year student Mia Booth was chosen after her design was labelled as, “inspiring, insightful and positively promoting construction to all.”
“Each of the drawings represents a different area of the industry,” said Mia. “For example, I used male and female symbols to demonstrate diversity and a recycling symbol as this is a very important issue and one that Speller Metcalfe works hard to address through reducing the amount of energy and waste on their sites.
“This experience has given me an excellent insight into what it’s like to work with a client and in the future I would like to pursue a career in film poster design.”
James Speller, pre-construction director for Speller Metcalfe, said:
“Speller Metcalfe has been undertaking a significant engagement programme with the University of Wolverhampton to provide educational opportunities to both their students and those from around Hereford and the local area.”
He continued: “Much of what we try and do is a business is to promote the construction industry and the opportunities available for people from all backgrounds, ages and interests, and we felt that Mia’s artwork brought this brief to life with a colourful and thought-provoking interpretation.”
Charlotte Thomas, Business Development Manager at the University of Wolverhampton said: “It’s amazing to see how the new Cyber Quarter – Midlands Centre for Cyber Security has inspired local students and Mia has created some amazing visuals to showcase the new build project which will be at the heart of the Enterprise Zone in Hereford.
“The University of Wolverhampton prides itself on providing opportunities for people of all ages to engage in lifelong learning and we are really looking forward to welcoming cyber businesses and professionals to the new Centre where we will be delivering a wide range of cyber related courses.”
The new centre is a £9m joint venture between Herefordshire Council and the University of Wolverhampton, and part funded by the Government’s Local Growth Fund, via the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
Based at Skylon Park, Cyber Quarter – Midlands Centre for Cyber Security, will offer a package of tailored testing, training, R&D and sector expertise to businesses and investors.
The project is due to complete this autumn.
