* Learning through making and Making a living are the themes of Crafts Council education conferences being held at the British Library, 96 Euston Road, London NW1, on November 25 and 26 respectively. The results of a two-year investigation by Loughborough, Middlesex and Sheffield Hallam universities will be disseminated and “the state of making in schools and colleges and the impact of creative practical skill on the national economy and cultural life” examined. Fee: Pounds 155; Pounds 88 day rate. Details: Rebecca Hay, Crafts Council, 44a Pentonville Road, London N1 9BY, tel: 0171 806 2528; e-mail: rebecca_hay@craftscouncil.org.uk * The Design Museum is completing the first year of its national design education teacher training programme. Participating advisers and teachers receive a free training pack, “Design into Practice”, about product analysis and how to develop a design project. They can also borrow the museum’s mystery loan box (part of the training provides ideas for developing handling collections in school). Funding is now sought to extend the programme beyond its existing 10 regions. Details: Gillian Shaw, Design Museum, Shad Thames, London SE1 2YD, tel: 0171 403 6933.

* The Smallpiece Trust runs four-day residential engineering and technology weeks for young people. The Engineering Experience is open to 13 to 14-year-olds, who work in teams with graduates from industry on design projects. Engineering Skills and Careers held in July, for 14 to 15-year-olds, includes workshops, project management, design process and materials. An engineering management course is available for lower-sixth formers. All take place at a UK university. Registration fee: Pounds 25.

Also on offer is a two-year residential engineering traineeship for post-GCSE students in partnership with Coventry Technical College, which can pave the way for university entry or technician status in industry. Based around the BTEC National Diploma in Engineering, it costs Pounds 25 per week. A Pounds 1,000 bursary towards further education is awarded upon successful completion. For details tel: 01926 3316001, or write to the trust at: 27 Newbold Terrace East, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV32 4ES.