Through the GIL Program, Berytech and UNICEF brought several technical workshops to support the youth in learning new skills that can be applied at the Fab Lab and in a professional setting, delivered by Berytech’s Fab Lab team in collaboration with skilled and professional trainers.
The goal of the workshops is to prepare GIL beneficiaries to a creative path in their careers specially in the fields of technology, engineering, and design, such as in the following specialties: graphic design, architectural drafting, prototyping, parametric design, industrial design, engineering, product design, fashion design, and more.
Through these workshops students are acquiring skills in design thinking, software proficiency, digital skills and fabrication, prototyping, molding, and design. Beneficiaries of these workshops are trained to think, draw, digitize, and fabricate.
The higher purpose of this collaboration between UNICEF and Berytech is to increase the access of the youth to technical and vocational trainings and innovative skills building programs for improved professional readiness and employability, as well as to make the digital manufacturing technologies at the disposal of the youth so that they come up with working prototypes and innovative products.
Currently, the level 1 workshops, AutoCAD, Illustrator, and Fusion, are being delivered online to get a better understanding of the digital fabrication process and machine application before moving to the next levels and start implementing at Gil Fab Labs.
AutoCAD Workshops
The AutoCAD workshop was delivered by Architect Nour Amy Raad bringing a comprehensive introduction to AutoCAD design, with basic techniques for drafting and 2D modelling. Students were introduced to the AutoCAD interface, navigating tools and functionality, and learn basic drafting techniques including how to create 2D patterns.
Illustrator Workshops
The Illustrator workshop was conducted by Graphic designer Alaa Amhaz, introducing participants to the important tools to produce vector and raster-based graphics with Adobe Illustrator. Projects and assignments focus on the exploration and understanding of the applications, implementing color, typography, tools, and techniques including printing options.
Fusion Workshops
The Fusion workshop, conducted by Engineer Hisham Ramadan, allowed the attendees to explore the different areas of 2D Sketching and 3D Modelling using Fusion 360, a great tool for designing, testing, performing simulations, rendering, and fabricating 3D objects. Projects and assignments will focus on teaching the basic tools available in Fusion 360 in detail to produce advanced 3D models.
About The GIL Program
The Generation of Innovation Leaders (GIL – جيل) is a program by UNICEF designed to address the high unemployment rates among youth in Lebanon & their lack of access to the knowledge economy. GIL helps the youth gain access to the digital economy and its many employments and educational resources, providing them with the skills needed to develop innovative, income-generating solutions to problems in their communities. The objective is to build on the digital and entrepreneurial capacities of disadvantaged youth in Lebanon to enable them to attain better career opportunities and become self-sustaining, income-generating members of society. Learn more about GIL Program: https://berytech.org/fablab/gil-program/
