LIA strengthens commitment to emerging talent
UK) – Student Aaron Varghese Abraham wins Loughborough University design initiative.
150 students were tasked with a product design brief to create an exterior lighting product and to research different aspects of standards, regulations, existing products, and niche markets.
A panel of judges representing the Lighting Industry Association (LIA) and Holophane Europe assessed the submissions and selected a top three.
The winning design saw a genius solution of a lantern for use in the desert that uses UV rays to illuminate scorpions.
In second place, Oscar Warman designed a sustainable, solar-powered streetlight that encourages birds to nest, with a built-in area for them to do so.
Lauren Adam came third with a lamp that illuminates the fishing area and attracts carp while ensuring it was safe for wildlife and the environment.
The successful designers have been invited to attend the Spring LIA Technical Forum in April to present their product designs to key stakeholders in the industry. The opportunity cements them in the lighting industry and as members of the LIA, alongside networking and potential job opportunities.
Ayça Donaghy, LIA CEO, says: “This was a fantastic initiative, and I am grateful to everyone involved in making it such a success. The design work from all the students, and especially the winners, was so impressive. The lighting industry has a bright future if these talented individuals are an example of who may join the sector over the next few years.”
The LIA takes pride in supporting emerging talent and newcomers to the lighting industry. One of its flagship schemes is the Young Industry Group, part of its Talent Supply and Development strategy, which aims to empower and develop emerging talent in the lighting industry by providing opportunities for growth, leadership and learning.
This dynamic programme will help to tackle the challenges posed by an ageing workforce; that without a succession plan, as skilled workers retire there is a real risk of losing invaluable expertise. There are several initiatives currently underway to assist members of The LIA.
