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What’s Next After GCSE or A – Level Results? Your Guide to Careers in the UK Fashion and Textile Industry

14-09-2025   


Whether you’re celebrating your results or feeling uncertain about the future, one thing is clear: there’s no single path into the fashion and textile industry — and that’s exactly what makes it exciting. From design studios to factory floors, catwalks to CAD screens, the UK fashion and textiles sector offers a range of routes that suit different skills, learning styles, and ambitions.

If you’ve just received your GCSEs or A-Levels and are unsure of your next step, here’s a comprehensive guide to the opportunities available within this dynamic industry — from further education to apprenticeships, internships and hands-on training.

(Level 3 student presentation at FC Designer Collective shop part of the FC Designer Workspace)

1. Further Education: Level 1 & 2 & 3 Courses for Practical Skills

If you’re more practical than academic or didn’t get the grades you hoped for, don’t worry — the fashion and textile industry values skills and passion. Many UK colleges offer Level 1 and Level 2 vocational qualifications, such as:

These courses focus on hands-on learning — sewing, garment construction, pattern cutting, print techniques, fabric technology and more — ideal if you want to build foundational skills before moving into work or higher-level courses.

If you are 16 – 18 years-old, based in London and are interested in fashion but unsure of where to start – we invite you to come along to our free sewing workshop. Taking place Friday 29th August from 10am to 4pm at FC Designer Workspace on Durham Road, London N7. Hear what the FCFTA can offer including the new: Level 3 Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication.

2. Apprenticeships: Earn While You Learn

Apprenticeships combine paid work with part-time study and are a great option if you want to get into the industry straight away. You’ll gain real-world experience, often with leading brands or manufacturers, while working towards a nationally recognised qualification.

Here are some popular fashion and textile-related apprenticeships:

These are offered by both local employers and national brands, often through partnerships with training providers such as Fashion-Enter Ltd / FTA. Keep an eye on platforms like gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship.

3. T Levels: Technical Pathways to the Industry

T Levels are a relatively new qualification in England, equivalent to three A-levels but focused on industry-specific skills and practical training.

Relevant T Levels include:

They include a 45-day industry placement, giving you direct exposure to how fashion, manufacturing, or design companies work in practice.

4. University: Academic and Creative Degrees

If you’ve completed your A-Levels and are considering higher education, there’s a wealth of specialist fashion and textile degrees across the UK. These usually require a portfolio and can focus on various disciplines:

Top institutions include London College of Fashion, Central Saint Martins, Manchester Fashion Institute, and University for the Creative Arts — but strong courses are offered at many universities and art schools.

Foundation Diplomas in Art and Design are also a great choice if you want another year to explore and build a portfolio before committing to a degree.

5. Internships, Traineeships & Work Experience

If you’re not ready for long-term study or training, short-term experiences can be invaluable. Many fashion brands, retailers, and studios offer internships or entry-level work placements, even informally.

Look out for opportunities with:

Traineeships (available for 16-24-year-olds in England) can help you build confidence, gain work experience, and improve employability before progressing to an apprenticeship or job.

6. Self-Taught Skills & Online Learning

The fashion world values innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurship. If you’re self-driven, there are many ways to upskill independently — either alongside other training or while you figure out your next move.

Explore online platforms like:

You can start a blog, document your sewing progress on TikTok, or even sell custom pieces on Depop or Etsy — building a portfolio and potential income stream at the same time.

7. Fashion Careers That Don’t Involve Designing

Not all fashion careers involve sketching or sewing. If you have a passion for fashion but want to explore beyond design, here are a few career paths to consider:

Many of these roles combine fashion knowledge with business, science, or tech skills — so keep an open mind.

There’s No One Right Way

The UK fashion and textiles sector is broad, creative, and constantly evolving — and it values diverse pathways. Whether you learn best by doing, studying, observing, or experimenting, there’s a route that fits.

Take your time, explore your options, and don’t be afraid to mix routes — for example, starting with a Level 2 course, moving into an apprenticeship, then doing a degree later.

Start Here:

Whatever your next step, remember: the industry needs makers, thinkers, marketers, and innovators — there are lots of avenues to explore.


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