Case Studies of IndEX Employer Engagements

At London Design & Engineering University Technical College (LDE UTC), employer engagement is not treated as a “bolt-on” enrichment activity but as a fully embedded element of the curriculum. Industry interaction is woven directly into key concepts. It is integral to delivering meaningful learning experiences that equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed to thrive in their future careers.

The curriculum is co-designed in partnership with employers to integrate academic study with technical expertise and professional practice. In the academic year 2024–2025 alone, more than 100,000 employer-led learning experiences were delivered. Through masterclasses, extended projects, placements, and mentoring, learners benefited from a wide range of dynamic, hands-on interactions with industry professionals. Every engagement is planned, embedded into the subject’s key concepts and reviewed against the Gatsby Benchmarks, ensuring structured, purposeful, and measurable outcomes.

The following case studies provide a snapshot of this work, highlighting masterclasses, employer-led projects and professional skills that demonstrate how IndEX enables schools and businesses to collaborate effectively. Whilst the specific nature of engagement varies by region, sector specialisms, and school priorities, these case studies illustrate the scale, variety, and impact of opportunities that can be developed through platforms such as IndEX.