Sector Partnered Experience Workshop

The InkSmith Sector-Partnered Experience (SPE) workshop is a unique, hands-on learning opportunity designed for students in the SHSM program in Ontario.

Inquire about SPE Workshops

How it Works

Our SPE workshops are a hackathon-style experience that provides an engaging and hands-on experience for all students that’s connected to real-world technology and career pathways across a huge variety of SHSM sectors.


Students will be provided with the hardware, software, and materials to complete their project. The workshop is facilitated by an experienced team that guides students through the building and coding process using the Engineering Design Process, micro:bit and robotics hardware.

Sector Coverage

  • Agriculture
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business
  • Energy
  • Environment
  • Forestry
  • Health & Wellness
  • Horticulture & Landscaping
  • Information & Communication Technology
  • Manufacturing
  • Non-profit, Education & Childcare
  • Sports
  • Transportation

Workshop Highlights

ICE, Coding & Math Coverage

InkSmith’s unique SPE workshop experience encompasses elements of innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship, coding, and math all in one comprehensive workshop.

Hackathon Format

Students tackle real-world problems in a fast-paced, engaging hackathon-style workshop that promotes rapid iteration and continuous improvement.

Engineering Design Process

The Engineering Design Process will guide students through a structured process from problem to ideation and solution.

Hands-On Learning

Students will get hands-on to design, build, and code functional prototypes that showcase their innovative solutions to real-world problems. 

Focus on Career Pathways

Each SPE Workshop challenge is designed around a specific sector to promote career path exploration.

Team-Based Collaboration

Students will work as a team to complete the workshop challenge, with each student taking on a specific role - such as builder, coder, designer, business leader, or pitch presenter.

What's included

InkSmith will take care of everything that's required for a successful SPE workshop, including the delivery, content, and student support. Educators are welcome to participate as much as they'd like but it is not required.

Structured Facilitation

Workshops are led by experienced InkSmith educators, ensuring that students stay on track and receive guidance through the hackathon-style workshop.

Hardware

Hardware and software, including micro:bit and Forward Education robotics kits, are provided to support hands-on learning and prototyping.

Student Resources

Comprehensive instructions and templates for coding, prototyping, business model development and presentations.

6-Hour Workshop

A structured, full-day session that integrates collaborative teamwork, problem-solving, and real-world application.

Sector-Specific Challenges

Workshop themes tailored to align with the students’ SHSM sector, providing meaningful, career-related experiences.

Technical Support

InkSmith’s facilitators are there to help with troubleshooting and support during the session.

SPE Workshop Overview

The InkSmith SPE Workshop format is a tried and trusted format that's incredibly engaging for students and will see them build amazing projects in just one school day!

Forward Education Logo

Students will use the Forward Education Climate Action Kit and micro:bit to build the basis of their functioning robotic prototypes in the workshop.

Sector Coverage

Examples of SPE Workshop Projects

Each SPE Workshop is tailed to the specific SHSM Sector present. Each workshop team will be presented with a persona and challenge related to their sector. Here are some examples of different sector personas and challenges.

Health & Wellness

Horticulture & Landscaping

Agriculture

Sports

Ready to book an SPE Workshop?

Complete our workshop inquiry form and someone from the InkSmith team will be in contact with you to proceed with booking your workshop.

Inquiry Form

FAQs

Is there a minimum amount of students we need to run a workshop?

Yes. For locations less than 100km from Kitchener, ON, a minimum of 15 students is required. For locations greater than 100km from Kitchener, a minimum of 25 students is required.

What sectors can you accommodate for SPE Workshops?

InkSmith's SPE Workshop format is designed to accommodate a wide range of SHSM Sectors which includes:

  • Agriculture
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business
  • Energy
  • Environment
  • Forestry
  • Health & Wellness
  • Horticulture & Landscaping
  • Information and Communication Technology
  • Manufacturing
  • Non-profit, Education & Childcare
  • Sports
  • Transportation

Sectors not included in this list are not ruled out entirely. Please contact our team to discuss.

Where are SPE Workshop hosted?

At the moment, all SPE Workshops are hosted on-site at your school or another third-party location. It is the customer's responsibility to provide the workshop location, including ensuring there is sufficient workspace and technical requirements.

What do we need to provide for the workshop?

InkSmith will provide all of the required coding & robotics hardware and software to be successful in the workshop.

The customer is required to provide the physical location to host the workshop, as well as standard supplies like:

  • Desks/tables/workspaces
  • Chromebooks
  • Power outlets
  • TV/Projector

Optional additional materials:

Students may benefit from additional prototyping materials in the workshop. Any additional prototyping materials must be provided by the school/customer. These materials may include:

  • Cardboard
  • Scissors
  • Tape/Glue 
  • Found recyclables 
  • Other prototyping/craft supplies
Do teachers need to be present for the workshop?

No. InkSmith will facilitate and guide the workshop from start to finish. However, educators are welcome to participate as much or as little as they'd like.

Educator participation could consist of answering student questions, providing troubleshooting support, or judging final presentations.

Educator support when it comes to student management, facilitating breaks & lunch is greatly appreciated.