Fashion and Textiles Apprenticeship Open Day

If you haven’t already heard, the program has been developed to bridge the real skills gap and offer young people accredited qualifications. The apprenticeship program, which is not an internship, is aimed at young people and businesses by providing a supported plan of work based training and learning. Taking on an apprenticeship allows an employer to transfer skills from an older work force to a new generation, allowing businesses to train staff for a specific area of the business, rather than a generalized college course.

The open day began with a tour of the Workshop in order to demonstrate to guests the type technical productions skills apprentices can hope to gain from the Apprenticeship, such as pattern making, seams and fabric manipulation. Followed by a welcomed introduction from Fashion Enter’s Director, Jenny Holloway, an informative presentation from the ASOS team and CHENEL (The College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London) was also involved to further explain the details and address any queries back in the Factory.

Fashion Enter and CHENEL have partnered together to recruit employers and apprentices for the Fashion and Textiles Apprenticeship; and as a company that prides itself on innovation, experimentation and celebration within the fashion industry, alongside its ethical and sustainable values, it seems natural that ASOS, the UK leading e-tailer of fashion, has become an Apprenticeship employer.

 

CHENEL, the largest Further Education College in London, demonstrated its aim of moving from providing just traditional apprentices such as plumbing and carpentry into non-traditional programmes in creative fields, such as fashion. During the event CHENEL discussed the Apprenticeship framework and the opportunities it can provide for participants following its completion as well as any requirements and further information about gaining employment in the industry.

 The event closed with a tour of the Factory and a networking session where potential employers, apprentices and staff could speak amongst one another to discuss the program further over some minced pies, mulled wine and lots of chocolate treats.

The apprenticeship program gives the opportunity to bring some new, fresh and exciting talent to a company, providing apprentices with support, learning and development, whilst performing within a job role. The program lasts for a duration of 18 months within an employed position giving the apprentice a unique opportunity to gain experience and qualifications in the fashion industry. Overall the open day was a great opportunity for potential employers and apprentices to learn the great benefits the Fashion and Textile Apprenticeship offers.