‘We Can Do It..’ Fashion Industry Apprentices Creates Youth Employment Legacy

 ‘We can do it…’ marks the opening of applications for Creative Skillset’s new Higher Level Apprenticeship in Fashion and Textiles reflecting employer demand for a new generation of skilled workers.

Bucking the trend of rising youth unemployment in the UK, Fashion Enter has boosted employment opportunities for young people by increasing its intake of apprentices for Creative Skillset’s Fashion and Textile Apprenticeships and relocated to larger factory premises in North London.

Kristen Lucas, 19, is one of four of Fashion Enter’s current apprentices and recognises the opportunities the apprenticeship is giving her. “The apprenticeship is so much better than I ever imagined it would be,” said Kristen. “I am learning so much and it is opening my eyes to all the different options available in the fashion industry. And I get to earn as I learn.”

Regional training providers such as Huddersfield Textile Centre of Excellence and KTL, based in the Midlands and delivering throughout England, report an increased interest from employers keen to adopt Creative Skillset’s Fashion and Textiles apprenticeship to ensure a motivated and skills focussed workforce for the future of the industry.

Jenny Holloway, Managing Director of Fashion Enter said: “We are all committed to the apprenticeship programme and now the Higher Level Apprenticeship in Fashion and Textiles provides new and exciting opportunities for both the individual and the fashion industry. Apprenticeships are 100% right for the current economic environment; employers need people that can ‘do’! On the job training is invaluable to success especially in garment manufacturing for that all important ‘Made in Britain’ label.”

Sophie Glover, Head of Technical Services at ASOS said: “ASOS prides itself in being passionate about people and developing talent for the future. It was because of this that we jumped at the opportunity to work with Fashion Enter on the roll out of the first Creative Skillset National Apprenticeship Scheme in apparel in January 2011.Our first Apprentices have successfully completed their courses and one of these Apprentices was such an asset that she is now a permanent employee at ASOS, as Assistant Technologist on our specialist departments. We would like to consider that we have developed a solid partnership with a collaborative approach to this fantastic opportunity for young people.”

Annie Warburton, Head of Partnerships at Creative Skillset, said: “With signs of a renaissance in UK clothing and textile manufacture, it is essential employers can attract and train highly skilled workers if they are to seize new market opportunities. Creative Skillset is proud to have developed pioneering Apprenticeships in Fashion and Textiles, and to work with leading businesses and trainers to equip the new generation of talent with skills for creative and commercial success.”

On Tuesday 12^th February, Fashion Enter will host an Apprenticeship Open Day at its Fashion Studio at the University of East London at the Knowledge Dock Business Centre bringing leading High Street Stores, clothing manufacturers and potential apprentices together with Creative Skillset for an informative workshop and job fair. On Thursday 14th February, The Factory will open its doors from 10.00am to 15.00pm for visitors to review the new facilities and meet the team.

For more information, please contact:

Jane Saunders, Creative Skillset: 07711 506 545 janes@creativeskillset.org

 

Jenni Sutton, Fashion Enter: 0208 462 962 jenni@fashion-enter.com or

apprenticeships@fashioncapital.co.uk