​SCHOOL TRIPS: Printing pioneers inspire students

SIXTH form design and technology students swapped the classroom for the cutting edge of industry with a visit to the UK’s largest online printing business.

The pioneering Bluetree Group, based in South Yorkshire, is one of the UK’s leading innovators in large-format printing and is renowned for pushing the boundaries of what modern printing can achieve.

The day began with an inspiring talk from the Co-CEO, Adam Carnell, who gave students a real insight into the world of business, design, and manufacturing.

Bluetree works with a huge range of materials, finishes and techniques to produce everything from eye-catching retail displays and signage to bespoke printed materials.

Mr Carnell spoke about the company’s journey, the importance of innovation, sustainability in printing, and how design and technology skills translate directly into industry.

The informative question and answer session which followed gave students the opportunity to ask thoughtful and challenging questions about careers, new technologies and printing processes.

“It was fantastic to see our students engaging so confidently and professionally,” said design and technology teacher Mrs Stevenson.

Students went on to take part in interactive activities that brought their classroom knowledge to life, including identifying different types of printers and understanding their uses; exploring papers, boards and materials and comparing finishes and production techniques

These practical challenges tested their observational skills and deepened their understanding of materials and processes — key components of their A-level studies.

After lunch, they were treated to a full tour of the production facility.

“This was where everything truly clicked,” said Mrs Stevenson. “Students were able to see, in real time, the very processes they have studied in theory.

“Massive state-of-the-art printers in action, precision cutting, finishing techniques, and even robotics operating on the factory floor demonstrated how automation and engineering are shaping the future of manufacturing.

“Seeing robotics in action was a real highlight. Watching machines working with speed and accuracy reinforced the importance of design, programming, and engineering working together seamlessly.

"The visit perfectly showcased how the skills learned in design and technology open doors to exciting, innovative industries,” she said.

She added: “A huge thank you goes to Sean Kachmarski at Bluetree Group for organising such a well-planned, engaging and welcoming visit. The team were incredibly accommodating, generous with their time, and genuinely passionate about printing and inspiring the next generation.

“It was an energising, eye-opening experience for our sixth formers — one that will no doubt influence their future studies and career aspirations."

Student reflections:

“The factory tour was really good. It was interesting to see the sales and marketing side too, I hadn't thought of this area. I found the explanations of offset lithography and flexographic interesting and beneficial too”

“I was really impressed by the speed of production and how quickly they were able to deliver your products on such a large scale.”

“I enjoyed learning about how the inks are put down to create an image and how to identify the method using a magnification glass”

"It was good to see how everything is connected and how you can increase the output by streamlining the production methods".

"I really enjoyed the tour around the printers and seeing the automation within the process such as the mechanical arm for sorting the business cards".