Community news
Caramel Rock – designing dreams for young Londoners
Steve Deidrick, Operations Manager for Caramel Rock, tells us about the charity’s fantastic work with young Londoners and their exciting collaboration with Formula E.
‘Located in the Royal Docks, Caramel Rock is a fashion and creative arts education charity. Our dedicated team provides training, work experience, mentoring and employment opportunities to disconnected and vulnerable young people and adults in East London.
This includes working with students who have been expelled or are at risk of exclusion.
Each year, our incredible team and valued volunteers support over 250 young people. We offer access to fully funded level one and two BTEC National courses in Fashion, Art and Design. Students cover various topics including design skills, creative pattern making, garment construction, colour theory, textile selection, sewing, and design illustration.
Being based in the Royal Docks has created many opportunities for Caramel Rock.
Steve Deidrick, Operations Manager for Caramel Rock
Caramel Rock's dedicated team provides training, work experience, mentoring and employment opportunities to disconnected and vulnerable young people and adults in East London
Our tutors use alternative teaching methods to suit the learning needs of students who may face challenges with the traditional educational system.
We also work with students to create personal development plans to reach their short and long-term goals. This helps to boost their confidence, drive motivation, and focus on their ambition. Our course offers a pathway back into education and employment for young people who are sometimes disengaged from learning. Our aim is to help students enter and remain in education, training or employment.
We’ve had many success stories since Caramel Rock was founded in 2010. Several students have gone on to work for leading brands including Oswald Boateng. Others have successfully continued with higher education going on to study at some of the UK’s top universities.
London is a global fashion hub. The industry is continually evolving with fashion houses searching for fresh ideas and budding new talent. We prepare students with the right skills, experience, and knowledge for success. Over the years we have collaborated with fashion industry giants including Nike and Asos. Through these partnerships, students have benefitted from networking opportunities, work experience, internships, and employment.
Being based in the Royal Docks has created many opportunities for Caramel Rock. One of our most recent partnerships is with Hankook London E-Prix, the single-seater motorsport championships for electric cars. We’re very proud that Caramel Rock was commissioned to design and produce the official grid ambassador uniforms.
It was a fantastic opportunity for our BTEC National Fashion students to work on the commission. The unique design was inspired by the vibrant Street style of East London. The range includes tops, jackets and trousers. We can’t wait to see the ambassadors in their uniforms when Hankook London E-Prix returns to ExCeL London, 20 – 21 July 2024 for the season finale!
We’re currently expanding and looking to recruit fashion design teachers. For designers with a desire to venture into teaching or someone with a love of both fashion and education get in touch.
To find out more about Caramel Rock visit www.caramelrock.com
