The Perfect Multi-Media Workshops
Back in 2022, Colne Community School partnered with Nortek Group to deliver a complete transformation of their Design & Technology (D&T) workshops. The school was seeking a long-term solution to modernise its learning environment, improve safety standards, and maximise the use of available floor space – all while accommodating large class sizes and a wide range of practical activities.
Our team worked closely with teaching staff to understand how the workshop was used on a daily basis. By analysing the existing layout and workflow, we were able to specify a furniture solution that balanced durability, flexibility, and student safety. The result is a highly functional, future-proof D&T space that supports both woodwork and metalwork teaching for years to come.
Colne Community School’s original all-wood workbenches had become loose and unstable after only a few years of use, creating potential safety risks for students and staff. In practical learning environments, securely held materials and stable working surfaces are critical — particularly when using hand tools, vices, and machinery.
To address these challenges, Nortek Group specified a tailored combination of Craftwork 2000 and Craftwork 1000 workbenches from our British-manufactured range. Each bench was custom-sized to suit the room dimensions and fitted with six heavy-duty vices, providing ample working positions for students while maintaining safe circulation space around each workstation.
Under-bench cupboards were included to give every student secure storage for personal belongings, tools, and ongoing project work. This not only improves organisation within the workshop but also reduces clutter and trip hazards — a key consideration in busy D&T classrooms.
To further enhance organisation and accessibility, we installed a TTT2M Tool Storage Cupboard, complete with complimentary metalwork and woodwork tool kits. This centralised storage solution ensures that tools are clearly organised, easy to access during lessons, and safely stored when not in use. For teaching staff, this means smoother lesson flow, improved supervision, and greater confidence when managing large groups of students.
Thanks to careful planning and our experienced Specialist Installation Team, the entire project was completed in just one day. All furniture was safely transported into the school and assembled in-situ with minimal disruption to the school timetable. This rapid turnaround allowed Colne Community School to return to teaching almost immediately, benefitting from a vastly improved workshop environment from day one.
Yet another strong example of Nortek Group’s commitment to delivering high-quality, UK-manufactured school furniture that meets the real-world demands of modern education. By investing in robust materials, intelligent layouts, and tailored specifications, Colne Community School now benefits from a D&T workshop that supports safe learning, encourages creativity, and stands the test of time.
If your school is looking to upgrade its D&T facilities or invest in durable, future-proof educational furniture, Nortek Group can provide a complete solution — from design and specification through to installation. Get in touch via the link below and one our team will happily talk through your needs.
Visit Nortek Industrial
Visit Mirplay School