Young Innovator

It is not often that a school GCSE project turns into a full time career but that is exactly what has happened to Ruth Amos.

Ruth Amos, 19, from Sheffield, turned inventor aged just 16 when she designed the StairSteady as part of a project for her GCSE in design and technology. Ruth and her class mates had been set a challenge by their teacher to come up with a product which would help her father get up and down the stairs at home after he had suffered a stroke.

Ruth’s solution was a handrail which is fixed to the wall on one side, with a unique steadying handle and locking device so people ascending or descending the stairs are supported. The supporting handle can be folded away when not in use.

Dubbed the StairSteady, Ruth’s creation won her the prestigious accolade of Young Engineer for Great Britain in 2006 and saw her launch her own business, StairSteady Ltd. As well as running the company full-time, she spends her days in schools talking to pupils about the experience she has gained in business skills, entrepreneurship and product design. She is now giving her full backing to a new qualification which she believes will help more budding young entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality.

The new Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design is designed to open young people’s eyes to the huge diversity and exciting challenges to be found in manufacturing, as well as to provide a solid foundation for a career in industry. It is available for 14-19 year-olds to study in school and college alongside traditional GCSEs and A-level qualifications, with part of the course taking place in the workplace.

Ruth said: “I was really lucky in that an engineering company in Sheffield got onboard with me early on. They gave me lots of support by designing a prototype, helping me get my idea patented and taking it to the market. Most young people in my position wouldn’t get that kind of chance to meet and get guidance from people in the manufacturing industry.

“I have still had to learn about the industry as I go along and learn quickly from my mistakes. The great thing about a qualification like the Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design is it will give youngsters a real insight into what it takes to design, make and sell a product well before they start their careers. It will open doors for many more people to get the sort of help and advice from companies that helped me launch my business. Hopefully, more and more young people with bright ideas will, as a result, enjoy the success I have.”

Employers play an important role in the delivery of the Diploma in Manufacturing and Product Design by joining partnerships of schools, colleges and local companies. They get involved by hosting site visits, giving talks to students, setting topics for projects and mentoring students to make sure people on the course get a real taste of what manufacturing and product design is about.

Ruth added: “I’ve always been a creative type and just from my own experiences at school I know there are a lot of pupils who will benefit from this mix of theory and hands-on, practical, approach to education. This diploma will allow young people to learn about the business world, product design and manufacturing processes.

“For many students, particularly girls, manufacturing is not even on the radar as a career choice by the time they leave school. But for the opportunity to be creative, use practical skills and become an entrepreneur, it is second to none.”