This project is designed to expand upon the practical skills we deliver in our workshop sessions to introduce modern fabrication techniques and product design that will lead to the creation of a commercial item that will form part of our Social Enterprise strategy towards a self sustaining future.
The project will challenge young people to develop a range of skills beyond those of the Cargo-boxes design and construction as we market and sell the product to Cargo Bike customers. We intend the project to develop and continue to offer widening opportunities to young people in both employment and skills development.
The ‘Cargo-Boxes’ are lockable storage units that fit onto the increasingly popular electric cargo bikes and offer secure, weatherproof storage.The idea originally came from the cargo-bike supplier Electric Bike Scotland who were looking for an alternative product to fit there bikes (and the unique Scottish environment) and asked us to come up with a new design.
The project will involve practical skills around sheet and profile aluminium forming alongside an introduction to the cutting edge world of CNC routing as we create the different elements that will produce the eventual product. We hope the inclusion of of computer based manufacturing process will attract a more diverse range of young people and spark a new outlet for their existing interest.
The development of the Cargo-box represents a good example of R-evolves strategy in seeking external funding for a defined goal that delivers all of the stated outcomes for young people that the project is designed to deliver. Funded by Scottish Borders Councils Community Fund the project was awarded the finance it required on the basis of its positive impact on the young people engaged and the wider community.
Offering continuity in the overall projects messages around the environment, active travel and sustainable growth, the Cargo Box project is an exiting way to expand R-eve loves offer to young people and create a firm future for our organisation.
