Apprenticeships & Skills For Life
18-03-2025
Apprenticeships & Skills For Life
Newsletter 12th February 2025
National Apprenticeship Week 2025
This week, the spotlight is on apprenticeships, and as an apprenticeship provider for the fashion and textile industry we turn our attention to our current cohort of six assistant garment technologist apprentices with UK retailer NEXT.
The theme for NAW2025 is ‘Skills For Life’, and our FTA educational department has meticulously developed apprenticeship programmes that enrich experiential learning.
FEL CEO Jenny Holloway said: “You cannot teach the world of garment technology in a silo. Whilst we will cover all the KBS required there needs to be a holistic approach to training, and that means bringing all the learning together so there is deep understanding and embedded knowledge.
“We are delighted with the progress of each apprentice in this group, and as the previous NEXT apprentices gained distinction’s it’s important that we continue to deliver the same high standards.”
(FTA Head of Education Lan Leeder at NEXT Apprenticeship event today – 12th Feb)
Lan has also been visiting the apprentices at work. One of the NEXT Assistant Garment Tech apprentices Rachael said: “I’m enjoying the apprenticeship, I am looking forward to meeting new people and understanding how the system works.”
Lan commented: “This is a great event! I met with the apprentices for a quick catch-up, met some of their managers, and spoke to the other providers. It’s good to know that they are all enjoying the apprenticeship with us, and I look forward to working with them more.”
Tap here to find out more about our apprenticeships
#NAW2025
Leicester Skills Bootcamp in Action
Today, 12th February, Fashion Hub Leicester has brought 6 learners from their Skills Bootcamp programme to Barrie knitwear for a job as a trainee linker.
Fashion Hub Manager, Divya Kamath (Above second from right) said: “I’m very proud of all of our learners here today. We are splitting them up into two groups. Group A is the red group and they are being interviewed, at the same time Group B the blue group is having a trial on the linking machines for 45 minutes with Lorraine and Semra.
“It’s so lovely to see Ravina here who is one of our previous learner’s who has worked here now for the last 18-months.
“We are wishing all the learners the very best!”
FC / FEL CEO Speaks at Shaping the Future of Sustainable Fashion
FashionCapital / Fashion-Enter Ltd CEO Jenny Holloway was invited to speak at the ‘Shaping the Future of Sustainable Fashion’ event that took place at De Montfort University in Leicester. Organised by Innovate UK Business Connect and De Montfort University, the day-long series of talks and discussions was targeted at businesses within the sustainable fashion industry.
Held on 11th February, Jenny discussed the topic of ‘Digital Fashion and Robotics’, while throughout the event additional key speakers covered; sustainable innovation, textile sorting and recycling, digital technologies and efficiencies, along with the challenges and opportunities that the sector faces today.
Just-Style.com & Leicester Made Trade Show
A big thank you to journalist Laura Husband and her proactive article on Fashion-Enter’s Leicester Made trade show and how sourcing from the region could change the game for UK manufacturing. Tap here to read the full article.
The Leicester Made trade event is gaining momentum and we are already experiencing high levels of demand for both exhibitors and attendees.
Sunny Patel, Director, Meesha Group/Prn12 commented:
“Leicester has always been a city driven by creativity, culture, and innovation. We are extremely proud to contribute to this legacy, blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge with technology such as Print On Demand® to deliver world-class ethically produced apparel. Events like Leicester Made are absolutely vital. They showcase the talent, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that make Leicester not just a place to do business, but a place to create, inspire, and lead UK manufacturing with integrity.”
Leicester Made 14th May at Athena, Queen St, Leicester LE1 1QD.
For all enquiries, please contact: beth@fashion-enter.com
If you would like to attend Leicester Made 2025 please tap here.
Do You Want to Showcase in Paris?
For over 24-years www.FashionCapital.co.uk has been providing free support and advice for startup brands and fashion designers in all areas of the industry.
This has resulted in collaborations with many retailers and organisations to provide opportunities in marketing and sales, and this year we have teamed up with unique-fashionshow.com – to provide talented designers with the opportunity to showcase their work in Paris.
Taking place 16th & 17th May, the Unique Fashion show will bring together global and local brands merging virtual reality with physical runway shows, exhibitions and performances.
For those interested in applying quote: Jennifer Holloway / FashionCapital and receive 20% off!
The event also includes competitions for upcycled and recycled designs plus a AI and 3D contest, to find out more visit: https://www.unique-fashionshow.com/
Or contact: info@unique-fashionshow.com
Welcome to the FTA – Designer John Herrera
We are thrilled that eveningwear and bridal designer, John Herrera is bringing his extensive fashion design and pattern making expertise to the Fashion Technology Academy. John will be teaching creative pattern making and stitching to our students at Islington and Haringey. John commented: “I’m excited to start this new journey with the Fashion Technology Academy and to work with the students to achieve their highest creative possibilities.”
Fashion Design and Business Course
If you are thinking about launching your own brand, we have a 1-year course that explores all the key areas you need to know. From tech packs to finances our Level 3 Fashion Design and Business course provides overarching insight.
Current student Khalil Satter, talks about the course in this short YouTube interview.
To find out more and apply contact: education@fashion-enter.com
Dates Coming Up…
Over the next few week’s we have a range of courses, workshops and masterclasses, some of which are free, however places can be limited so please register early to avoid disappointment. Coming soon…1 Day beginner’s upcycling, 2 & 4 day stitching and pattern cutting courses, a free school uniform repair workshop, plus free business support and advice via our online Be Your Own Boss masterclass. Please refer the listings below.
Masterclasses and Courses
Roll-on courses:
Available at all campuses Islington, Haringey and Leicester.
Diploma in Fashion Design and Business
Stitching:
17 February – 4-Day Introduction to Industrial Sewing and Garment Making – FC Designer Workspace – £110
21 February – 1-Day Beginners Upcycle Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £35
24 February – 2-Day Stitching course Mastering Dress and T-Shirt Construction – FC Designer Workspace – £70
26 February – 2-Day Stitching course Mastering Skirt and Trouser Construction – FC Designer Workspace – £70
3 March – 4-Day Introduction to Industrial Sewing and Garment Making – FC Designer Workspace – £110
Pattern Cutting:
3 March – 2-Day Beginners Pattern course Skirt and Simple Bodice with Sleeves – FC Designer Workspace – £70
6 March – 2-Day Darted Bodice Pattern Cutting course – FC Designer Workspace – £70
Repair and Upcycling:
21 February – 1-Day Beginners Upcycle Workshop – FC Designer Workspace – £35
25 February – School Uniform Repair Workshop – FC Designer Collective shop, Fonthill Road – Free
4 March – Drop-In Repair and Upcycling workshop – FC Designer Collective shop – Fonthill Road – Free
Support and Advice:
26 February – Be Your Own Boss Masterclass – 1-hour Online interactive masterclass – Free
For all course enquiries contact: education@fashion-enter.com or call 0208 809 3311
This Week on FashionCapital…
In Advice & Support we take a look at To Be Or Not To Be…A Limited Company
And Finally…
A message for the end of the week: Happy Valentine’s Day – or perhaps, Galentine’s Day, or Single’s Awareness Day. It seems like 14th February has evolved into a celebration of self-love and personal wellbeing. However you choose to spoil yourself or someone you love – enjoy!
Until next time, have a great week.
From the Team at FashionCapital
