Caroline Robinson

Caroline Robinson came to Outset Cornwall to explore the possibility of running her own business following the completion of an apprenticeship scheme she had been involved with.

“I was very upset after my apprenticeship with an ecological and landscape consultancy, came to an end.” she said. “When I took on the apprenticeship I learnt all about GIS mapping and upgraded the company’s brand identity on and offline. I thoroughly enjoyed my work and those whom I worked with. Unfortunately I found myself with reduced hours of work when it finished and they were just not enough to sustain me.”

Caroline had originally studied Information Design at Falmouth Art School in 1998 and had worked for a children’s toy and furniture manufacturer for a number of years where she was involved with most aspects of the business, including product and packaging design to quality control.

She then decided to retrain in 3D modelling (Rhino3D CAD) and web design (Dreamweaver) and did so well she chose to remain in this field of work.

By the time her apprenticeship was up Caroline felt that she had become “unemployable” as she was “too educated, too creative and too old” to apply for any other apprenticeships or similar posts and it was this that spurred her on to be her own boss.

She said: “ When I first came to Outset Cornwall I was still in shock at potentially being unemployed. After working for many years for other people I felt comfortable in my own skills but I wasn’t sure which ones I could turn into a viable business.”

The fact that the programme was free and within easy travelling distance also appealed to Caroline, as she had to continue to work while starting the course.

“Quite often, Outset Cornwall gave me structure to my week and targets to aim for. It was a lonely and disorientating time in the beginning. Normally shy, I was pleasantly surprised that I could make a valuable contribution to not just my company, but others too. The advisors were fantastic; I cannot praise them highly enough. I simply would have not got where I am without their support and advice.”

Caroline is now putting her technical and creative expertise to good use with her new business, Clear Mapping Company.

It creates location, direction and route maps for companies throughout the South West, providing professionals within the planning industry with maps and as well as brand identity for new businesses.

Visit clearmapping.co.uk for more information.