Innovation community Stone & Chalk and UpRising, a pilot program geared towards senior high school design and technology students, have announced a partnership that will bridge the gap between traditional educational frameworks and industry practice by providing design students with early insights and collaborative opportunities with industry professionals.
Stone & Chalk Group CEO, Michael Bromley, and Founder of Uprising, Richard Hainsworth, stated that they both share a deep commitment to modernising Australia’s educational approach to match the rapidly changing industry landscape.
“Our ever-evolving professional world requires us to reformulate our educational strategy,” Bromley said. “Our partnership with UpRising signifies our unwavering dedication to develop an educational model that’s innovative, relevant and future-ready.”
Hainsworth said that rapid technological advancement means “it’s paramount that we equip our next generation with skills that align with emerging industry demands”. He sees Uprising’s partnership with the Stone & Chalk Group as “a significant stride in that direction”.
The partnership is set to hold an event later this month, open to high school certificate design students, teachers from across NSW, and industry leaders. Five high school certificate design projects, shortlisted by UpRising will be showcased to a panel of founders, mentors, and industry experts from Stone & Chalk, who will provide guidance and advice with three of these projects offered exclusive one on one mentoring opportunities by Stone & Chalk Scale-ups.
“This event will create a safe environment for students to gain insights into the start-up scene, share their ideas for feedback, and ask questions,” Bromley said. “They will also have the opportunity to establish industry contacts, opening doors to potential career opportunities, whether on a volunteer or internship basis.”
Stone & Chalk and UpRising have expressed their commitment towards the growth of the innovation ecosystem that will equally value practical experience and systems thinking, where students will be readily equipped to navigate and contribute meaningfully to them.
“This alliance is not just a partnership; it’s a transformative shift towards a more experiential approach to learning,”Bromley said. “We envision a future where every student, teacher and industry leader understands and values the synergy between education and industry.”
The partnership will also see students gain practical experience and industry exposure, educators discover innovative teaching avenues and industry-ready resources, and industry leaders obtain early access to the upcoming talent pool.
“By connecting with industry leaders, educators can bring fresh perspectives into the classroom, ensuring their teachings are not just future proof, but are at the cutting edge of change,” Hainsworth said. “At the same time, industry leaders can contribute to shaping education while gaining access to new, innovative minds.”
