"They are trailblazers, they invested in our process, took risks and we appreciate they were prepared to participate in a pilot," she said.
Students were required to take on the challenge of working with industry partners and people they had never met before for interdisciplinary learning.
During semester one, students worked with companies such as Opus and Midland Trauma and were challenged to solve problems such as managing water flow and reducing quad bike trauma.
Caitlynn Wendt was one student who jumped at the opportunity to become a part of the project.
"When I first heard about the Wintec Design Hub, I liked that it was interdisciplinary and completely new. I knew it was a rare opportunity that I could not say no to," she said.
The achievement is special to Caitlynn, who says she has grown into a different person after taking part in the course.
"The Design Hub has given me the confidence to approach industry professionals and the passion to believe in myself.
"I aspire to take on leadership roles within the community, and be a voice for my generation," she says.
"Without the Design Hub, I wouldn't have built the confidence to pursue this passion.
"It's been the best choice I've made."
She supported Wintec's willingness to try new approaches to learning.
"Being accepted onto the Global Network opens so many doors to the future and I can't wait to watch it grow," she said.
By Tom Rowland, Wintec journalism student
