This case study follows Evie, a young person who took part in a work experience placement with Boost. Through hands‑on design work, technical training, and real‑world industry exposure, she developed creative, practical, and professional skills.

Introduction

YEP is a UK Government‑funded initiative through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, supporting disadvantaged young people aged 16–24 in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Launched in January 2024 and running until March 2026, the project focuses on those who are NEET or at risk of NEET, have SEN, or belong to other vulnerable groups.

Evie joined the project and took part in a placement with Boost, where she engaged in a range of creative and technical activities linked to design and production.

Our Role

Our role was to support Evie throughout her placement with Boost, ensuring she could engage fully with the opportunity and reflect on her progress as she developed new skills.

We provided consistent support, helping her prepare for and make the most of each experience, while building confidence and independence alongside her placement.

What is Boost?

Boost was founded on the belief that breast forms for mastectomy do not have to be beige, boring, or heavy. The company involves people who wear its products in the design process and actively welcomes feedback and product design suggestions. It believes that a breast shaper should bring positivity and help individuals feel good.

Learning Opportunities

Through her placement with Boost, Evie took part in a variety of activities designed to develop her creative and technical skills, including:

- Desk‑based research, producing detailed notes to inform her design development
- Experimenting with Fimo to explore form and scale
- Creating silicone moulds using pouring techniques, refining ideas through testing
- Working collaboratively with a colleague to develop mould designs
- Learning CAD to produce digital models, which were then 3D printed
- Training in small‑scale injection moulding, including curing and de‑moulding processes
- Experimenting with shimmer silicone, exploring translucency and reflective qualities
- Developing laser cutting skills and applying them to etching keyrings

These activities supported Evie to understand and apply a full design‑to‑production process.

Building Confidence Through Real‑World Experiences

Several activities within the placement supported Evie to build confidence and independence in professional environments:

- Independently directing a photoshoot, including creative decisions such as make‑up and arranging hair
- Producing promotional content as part of a wider team
- Researching the London showcase to understand its context and audience
- Travelling by train to London
- Supporting the set‑up of an exhibition stand, including displaying her jewellery
- Engaging with visitors, including post‑mastectomy women, bra designers, and charity representatives
- Explaining her work and production processes clearly
- Attending talks, including a session on life after mastectomy

These experiences helped Evie develop confidence in communicating and working within real‑world settings.

Skills Developed

Through the placement, Evie developed a range of creative, technical, and interpersonal skills, including:

- Knowledge of design development from research through to production
- Technical skills in silicone mould‑making, CAD, 3D printing, injection moulding, and laser cutting
- Confidence in communicating her work and explaining processes
- Creative direction and ability to take ownership of tasks such as a photoshoot
- Collaboration with others in a professional setting
- Increased awareness of the experiences of post‑mastectomy individuals

These skills support her ongoing development and future progression.

Impact

With support from the project alongside her placement at Boost, Evie has made clear progress in both her technical skills and confidence. She has:

- Carried out independent research to inform her design work
- Designed and produced pieces using a variety of techniques
- Developed digital models and seen them produced through 3D printing
- Learned and applied injection moulding and laser cutting processes
- Directed and delivered a photoshoot
- Taken part in a London exhibition and contributed to its set‑up
- Communicated confidently with visitors about her work

Evie also developed her understanding of the wider context of her work through attending talks and engaging with individuals at the event. Outside of the exhibition, she experienced travelling to London and exploring new environments, including visiting central locations and travelling as part of the group.

Evie has made strong progress through her placement, developing both her skills and confidence through real‑world experience.

Testimonial

“I picked up skills in manufacturing the breast forms by making smaller items out of silicone such as custom keyrings and jewellery. The items I made were shown at an event in London, where attendees purchased some of my creations. 
Challenges in the design process of the jewellery meant executive Chris and I had to rethink the moulding process a few times before it worked.” - Evie

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