Student’s folding spoon leads way in metalworking revival

A TEENAGER who was inspired to design his own cutlery when he took part in a project with a Sheffield silversmith yesterday helped to launch an event which aims to encourage other youngsters into the trade.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th Mar 2011, 06:00 BST

Chris Ricketts, 16, a pupil at Sheffield’s King Ecgbert School, worked with city silversmith Victoria Kershaw as part of a group of students in the Design For Life initiative which was held last year.

The Forging Futures initiative hopes to build on that success and is being launched next Wednesday ahead of the Galvanise Sheffield festival run by Museums Sheffield to celebrate the city’s metalworking heritage.

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A spokesman for Museums Sheffield said: “Forging Futures will bring together local engineers, manufacturers, designers and silversmiths to share their expertise and advice with students from schools and colleges from across the city.

“Sheffield’s rich history as a centre for the production of metal dates all the way back to the early 1700s. Targeting 15 to 18-year-olds, Forging Futures will showcase the various pathways into careers in metal for young people in the city today, from academic courses to industry apprenticeships.”

Following his success last year, Chris has done work experience with city firm Wentworth Pewter and company director Richard Abdy said his firm would now take part in Forging Futures.

He said: “Sheffield is known around the globe for its history of metalworking and it’s fantastic to be part of this event inspiring a new generation to continue the tradition in the city and help young people like Chris on their career path.”

Related topics:Teenager