Industry Specialised Training at the Fashion Technology Academy London
The UK garment manufacturing sector received a major boost in November 2015, following the official launch of the UK’s first ever Fashion Technology Academy (FTA).
Nestled within a 5,000 sq ft unit in North London, the FTA provides a truly unique environment for its learners, offering them the opportunity to experience a fully operational high quality-manufacturing environment.
Run by not for profit social enterprise Fashion Enter, the FTA has the potential to train over 1000 learners every year enabling them to gain qualifications in a number of niche industry specific roles; such as pattern cutting, and quality control.
Offering all the accredited qualifications needed for garment development, from Level-1 to Level 4.
The FTA is the first of it’s kind in Europe.
Case Study – M&S Product Technologist Apprentice – Khadra Osman
How did you find out about the FTA?
“I found out about Fashion Enter after looking online for career inspiration and what my next move should be. I knew I wanted to be in the retail industry helping to develop products but I didn’t know how to go about it without industry contacts. Initially I came across an advertisement for the Stitching Academy, I really liked the sound of this training course, and through this course I was able to gain real skills in sewing & stitching, machine operation, inspecting & measuring and Health & Safety within a clothing factory.
“It was through the Stitching Academy that I was informed about the apprenticeship programme run by the FTA. I knew that taking on an apprenticeship with a retailer like M&S would open doors for me within the industry that I needed to progress in my career.”
How have you found your journey as an FTA learner and an M&S apprentice?
“My time as an M&S apprentice has given me the exposure I needed to understand what the technologist role entailed, where the role sat within the company structure and the importance of product technologists. I found during my apprenticeship I was also able to grow as a person; it has widened my skillset and made me more focused on learning more about the fashion industry.
“I feel the way in which I was given responsibilities enabled me to grow as a trainee technologist. I was able to get to a stage where I could successfully complete all tasks without the assistance of another person. The educational part of my apprenticeship has helped me to comprehend the theory behind being a technologist. I have been able to explore the principles and practices within pre-production, production and post-production, and the different systems used in product manufacturing.
“I successfully completed the different units in my apprenticeship including Manufacturing Techniques within Production, Investigating Market, Materials and Styles and Assessing Customer Requirements, these have all supported the work based experience I have gained on my placement.”
What has been the outcome of your Apprenticeship?
“With the knowledge and skills I have acquired over the 2-year apprenticeship programme, I was able to be successful in gaining employment within the industry within a similar role for a leading luxury brand.”
FTA Learner Sharren Awere (near right) was able to attend The EMFEC Group annual Parliamentary Reception at the House of Commons In December 2015, as part of her Apprenticeship. The event celebrated the academic achievements and successes of EMFEC training providers and ABC Awards Centres throughout the last academic year.
Through her apprenticeship with the FTA and M&S Sharren has successfully been appointed to a new job as Technical Administration Assistant with the retail giant M&S.
To find out more about the FTA and the courses available please click here
For enquiries please contact education@fashion-enter.com or telephone 0208 809 9933
The Fashion Technology Academy is situated at…
FTA,
Unit 13, Crusader Estate,
167, Hermitage Road, London N4 1LZ.
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