Blog Naomi Jade Davis

“I found the ASOS Academy Apprenticeship by Googling ‘fashion apprenticeships’ and clicking onto the FashionCapital website. I contacted Jenni Sutton and asked about what fashion apprenticeships were available. I attended an induction for FashionCapital and had an interview to see if I was suitable for a River Island apprenticeship. I filled out some forms, completed a literacy and numeracy test and then a pattern making task.

Following my interview with Jenni, I was put through to the opportunity to try out for the River Island apprenticeship. Before I went Jenni told me that even if I wasn’t successful with River Island then I could attend the new ASOS Stitching Academy Apprenticeship programme. I wasn’t successful with River Island but I started the Academy a couple of weeks later.

In the past 6 weeks I have learnt so much at the Academy, Leyla our teacher has been amazing and can teach anyone, at any level, anything! I have learnt how to make a pattern from just measurements, insert darts and zips. Also how to thread and use an industrial flat bed overlocker, binding, button hole and button machine. We created a portfolio of work through different tasks in our handouts and on completion of the course I have made two skirts, a dress, a jacket for a pet and a top.

After finishing the course I have had lots of support from Jenny Holloway the Director of Fashion Enter and our IQA for our qualification. She has given me bucket loads of advice and opportunities to apply for.

During the course I had three interviews with Marios Schwab and got down to the last 2! But now they would like time to consider a Production Assistant role.

I am currently getting some experience from Lipstick Boutique and hoping that it will follow up onto an apprenticeship.”