Coleg Ceredigion students veered off the familiar shores of Wales to exploit the remarkable world of furniture design in the Netherlands.

In an educational trip filled with hands-on experience and cultural tastes, the college partnered with ROC Ter AA, a southern Netherlands college renowned for its proficiency in furniture making, construction, and engineering.

The students relished the opportunity to engage directly in the college’s furniture workshops, using new materials and tools.

Besides the practical activities, they also ventured into industry visits and cultural exploration to further widen their creative horizons and understanding.

Among the educational visits were trips to the high-tech, high-end Gielissen factory, giving the students an exceptional first-hand experience of the Netherlands's furniture industry.

The students also visited the contemporary art space of Eindhoven Van Abbemuseum and the Phillips Museum.

Chloe Reynolds, a lecturer in furniture design and making at Coleg Ceredigion said: "We gained so much from this trip and seeing so much of its industry and it being so different to what we have in west Wales.

"The way they make things and materials they use is very different and it was interesting to see and try these tools and techniques.

"It was also nice to see the contrast between old and new, such as the windmill and the high-tech factory of Gielissen.

"There was lots of design inspiration, especially in Eindhoven as Piet Hein Eek is a master of recycling and has developed a much sought-after product range with a reclaimed aesthetic."

The team is planning to arrange a similar insightful visit for the students in 2025 or 2026.