Exam Results Month: What To Do Next For a Career in Fashion

August is ‘results month’ for A-Level and GCSE students and for many young people it’s a defining moment in determining their future career. 

With colleges, tutors, parents, and even the media pushing University as the best and most prestigious option, we look at why this isn’t the only route and in fact an apprenticeship or hands-on training course could provide a better option in securing full-time employment within the fashion industry…

1. Firstly the costs, with University fees now reaching approximately £9,250 a year in the UK (more for International students) student debt has become astronomical with some students graduating with a debt of over £30k before they even start their career. 

2. “The best designers know how to pattern cut.” So many times we hear about University graduates with highly creative portfolios that have no idea how to pattern cut or construct a garment. To succeed as a designer today this foundation knowledge is crucial and should be fundamental to the design process.

3. As an apprentice your training fees are funded by the government or your employer and you are in fact paid for both the work you do and the one-day training a week. The aim after the 18-month programme is the offer a full-time position, which many achieve.

4. A real, hands-on experience. The Fashion & Textiles Apprenticeship programme is a unique combination of training and career specific work experience. As an apprentice you gain industry experience whilst training for a qualification, which compliments your day-to-day life at work. The training takes place at the Fashion Technology Academy, which is the UK’s first training Academy aligned to a live factory environment. Students are set live projects on the factory floor ensuring they understand the complete garment production process and they can document evidence for their portfolios. 

5. Not sure if an apprenticeship is for you? We have a selection of short courses in Stitching, Patterns and Quality Control, all areas of the industry that are crying out for skilled employees, that span 5-weeks and up and caters for beginners who can then progress to higher qualifications. We also offer more specific courses in tailoring – another area of the industry with a high skilled worker shortage.

Remember in fashion there are many pathways available from working your way up completing short courses to apprenticeships. We are here to help. education@fashion-enter.com

Tap here to find out more about our courses and apprenticeships.

Upcoming enrolment days for our Stitching and Pattern courses are as follows:

– Tuesday 16th August 2022 10:00am to 13:00 (Stitching) Haringey site

– Thursday 25th August 2022 10:00am to 16:00 (Stitching) Haringey site

– Wednesday 31st August 2022 10:00am-16:00 (Patterns) Haringey site

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