PAST : PRESENT : WORK – Cromford Mills
Phase One: Workshops at Cromford Mills
Project participants have completed the first phase of Past:Present:Work workshops conducted by the Cromford Mills Learning and Engagement Team. The workshops drew inspiration from Sir Richard Arkwright’s legacy as the ‘Father of the Factory System’ and the Hydropower Project at Cromford Mills.
‘Past:Present:Work’ is a National Lottery Heritage Funded employability project, focused on local heritage. It provides a unique opportunity for YMCA Derbyshire residents and learners aged 16-35 to explore heritage and conservation sites in Derbyshire.
Workshop Themes
Themes covered during the workshops included:
- ‘What is Heritage?’
- Identifying STEM Skills
- Jobs of the Past
- Current Employment Opportunities in Heritage Settings
- Product Design and Entrepreneurship
‘Shine a Light’ Event Cromford Mills
Participants attended the ‘Shine a Light’ event at Cromford Mills, featuring large-scale projections on mill buildings and a UV room showcasing their crafted YMCA letters and paper mâché sculptures.
Product Design and Entrepreneurship
Through sessions facilitated by the Cromford Learning and Engagement Team, participants researched and created various products, such as Christmas decorations, jewelry, earrings, and innovative product packaging that doubles as a Christmas card.
After a transactional analysis and sales session, participants successfully negotiated with Weaveknitit shop to display and sell their finished products at Cromford Mills.
Participant Impact and Confidence Building
The workshops, attended by on and offsite YMCA residents and Key College learners, not only introduced participants to Cromford Mills but also boosted their confidence in using public transport to travel across Derbyshire.
Project Partners
Cromford Mills is one of three delivery partners in the two-year Past:Present:Work Project. Future workshops will be led by The Museum of Making and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.
Acknowledgments
The success of this project is attributed to the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the National Lottery players who made this work possible.
