Trade association the Kbsa has provided financial bursaries to students who will begin the Foundation Degree in Kitchen Design at Buckinghamshire New University in September.

Kbsa national chair Richard Hibbert

Trainee designer with Qudaus Living Sophie Owen and owner of kitchen showroom Zara Kitchen Design Rubina Hughes will both receive a financial contribution towards their course fee, for each of the three years of the foundation degree.

Owen joined Qudaus Living almost two years ago with no experience of working in a design or sales environment.

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She completed a level 3 qualification in business administration, while undertaking in-house training.

Hughes has worked in a kitchen showroom environment since an interest in interior design prompted her to make a career change from IT 17 years ago and now runs her own studio with her husband.

Kbsa national chair Richard Hibbert said: “We are delighted to support these two students with their studies.

“The Foundation Degree continues to go from strength to strength, starting its seventh year this coming September, and with the launch of the BA (Hons) Kitchen Design degree, which it hopes to start in 2022”.

The Kitchen Design course leader at BNU, Jayne Hall Cunnick commented: “We have been overwhelmed by the support and encouragement we have received from the Kbsa in the development of the new and upgraded provisions and humbled by the financial and other support being offered to students.

“Industry engagement and support is critical to the ongoing relevance and success of the kitchen design degree courses, as well as the future of the industry.”

Hibbert added, “We know that the course is well regarded by employers and that many KBB organisations also support students that wish to build their careers, and expand their knowledge in this way.

“It is a blended learning course that is suitable for designers at every stage of their career, as can be seen from Sophie and Rubina’s career profiles.”

“The Kbsa is committed to supporting training and education in our industry in any way we can.

“Students wishing to apply for a bursary can contact the Kbsa for further information.”

Buck New University has recently launched a Batchelor of Arts Honours degree in Kitchen Design, where graduates of the Foundation Degree can top-up their qualification.