Bridging the gap between Industry & Education.
That’s not marketing speak. Specifically, it’s the actual problem I was asked to solve when designing the brand for Industry Ready, a new podcast that’s genuinely excellent (and I don’t say that lightly).
Hosted by Sonya D’Arcy-Kilroy with guests like Geoffrey Fowler, CEO of London Design & Engineering UTC, each episode goes behind the scenes of “Exceptional” (Ofsted-rated) education. You’ll hear from learners achieving remarkable outcomes, educators creating inclusive cultures, and industry partners who are actively solving the skills gap – not just talking about it at conferences.
The Challenge I See Every Day
As a brand designer working in the education space, I see both sides of this challenge playing out constantly. Too many learners enter the workforce unprepared. Too many employers struggle to find industry-ready talent.
It’s a real problem. And it needs real solutions, not just more noise.
The Design Connection
Here’s where it gets interesting for me as a designer.
Industry Ready isn’t a standalone project. It’s the natural evolution of my work on The Industry & Educators Exchange (IndEX) at the-index.uk. Essentially, both brands share the same DNA because they’re solving the same problem from different angles.
Specifically, I devised the name ‘IndEX’ and its typographic use with the capital EX, designed both brands, both websites, and the supporting books (Introduction & Compendium) that bring these ecosystems to life.
IndEX connects educators and industry partners through employer-led learning, shared resources, books, and frameworks.
Industry Ready amplifies those connections through authentic conversations and real stories.
Designing a Brand Family
The visual challenge was clear: create two distinct brands that feel like family.
Visually, both identities colour palette, typeface, and use directional arrow forms that represent clear pathways, progress, and connection – not barriers. They’re designed as a family, working together to solve the same problem from different angles.
The brief to myself? Professional but not corporate, similarly educational but not academic. Authentic and conversation-led. A direction and clear route, not a barrier.
Why This Matters
Importantly, Episode 1 launched today and it’s a brilliant introduction to what makes London Design & Engineering UTC (LDE UTC) and the Technical Education Skills Trust (TEST) so successful.
So, If you’re in L&D, hiring, education, or workforce development, give it a listen. It’s worth your time.
Listen and see the design work: www.industryready.co.uk
Need help with your brand or website? Get in touch.