Leading the Way in Fashion Apprenticeships
05-02-2020
Newsletter 5th February 2020
Dear all,
Happy National Apprenticeship Week!
National Apprenticeship Week (NAW2020) 3rd – 9th February 2020 brings together employers and apprentices across the UK and puts the spotlight on apprenticeships and how fantastic they are. When it comes to fashion apprenticeships Fashion-Enter is England’s leading fashion and textiles provider offering quality training at all levels.
Here’s what some of our current cohort of apprentices say:
Gabriella Howell, apprentice garment tech at Mountain Warehouse:
“I am always wanting to have a chat, my work has taught me how to be professional and communicate with other colleagues and external suppliers. I have a better understanding of how to deal with people. Working through difficult situations and dealing with pressure and meeting deadlines.”
Selvie Brika, apprentice couturier at Ralph & Russo:
“During this apprenticeship my personal skills have developed extremely. I would say my confidence, people skills and patience have improved massively. I have become organised and my knowledge of fashion has also improved.”
Hawwa Diment, apprentice pattern cutter couturier at Ralph & Russo:
“I have become more independent at working and it has encouraged me to invest personal time to developing my pattern cutting skills and doing personal projects. It has also taught me to persevere and try to make smaller milestones which are realistic to help me work towards achieving a larger goal.”
To find out about our apprenticeships click here.
New Apprenticeships Now Available
Just in: We have apprenticeship positions for Trainee Quality Admin Assistants at New Look, to find out more and apply tap this link. We are also recruiting for two Garment Tech Apprentices for Mountain Warehouse as well as an in-house Fashion Studio Apprentice. All of our apprenticeship jobs can be found here: https://fcfta.com/jobs/apprenticeship-jobs
Working With BehindBras
We are delighted to be working with Barbara Burton, Founder and David Jones, Head of Fashion on the BehindBras Fashion Foundation, an initiative that supports and provides opportunities for serving and former female prisoners.
Barbara comments: “I would like to thank Jenny Holloway and her team for allowing the production company, Really Good Films, to access the Fashion-Enter’s manufacturing and training unit premises last week.
“The day involved BehindBras producing a video in order to promote a project which will be a Social Impact Bond to engage with a unique specialist group.
“This scheme will be made up as consortium from leading voluntary sector organisations together with BehindBras Fashion Foundation as the lead-organisation, Fashion-Enter Ltd and leading Government departments across the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), Department for Digital, Cultural, Media and Sport (DCMS), Business, Energy, Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and other commercial donors (who will for philanthropic CSR reason) will contribute to the project.
“The outcomes of the project, which could be in place for between 5-7 years, will benefit the justice sector, employment for the fashion, retail and creative industries together with the training sector and meets local employment needs profiles.
“It is clear on what will be presented – it is a reoffending prevention model that has social and economic value. The scheme follows similar lines to services preventing future use of public services and is based on the central government (Office of Civil Society – OCS) best practice for social impact investment structure.
“This innovative scheme is an important way to manage/stem demand into statutory services which are currently overloaded.
“I am proud to be working with Jenny and her team who have supported me whilst my vision has come to fruition…this is where the hard work begins!”
To find out more about the BehindBras initiative visit https://www.behindbras.org.uk/
Calling All Islington Residents – Free Stitching Taster Classes
As a part of the Islington Affordable Workspace programme we have planned a three-month schedule of activities that engage all sectors within Islington from community groups to business leaders. Working with Patrice Buddington, the Inclusive Economy Office of Finsbury Park, and Ayodele Daodu, the Project Manager for the Affordable Workspace programme, our first initiative began this week offering free taster stitching classes across the next four weeks.
On the first day Genieve arrived and she was introduced to Leyla, stitching tutor and CEO Jenny Holloway (pictured above).
Genieve said: “I remember Jenny speaking at an event held by Kiss many years ago around 2001 – this is what inspired me to go on and study for my fashion degree. Who would have thought years later I would be here again with Jenny learning the technical skills I really need to get my collection and brand started properly!”
Genieve enjoyed her session on the taster course and is now signing up for her free Level 1 qualification in Stitching next week.
If you are local and would like to try a stitching taster session then please contact Stephanie – stephanie@fashion-enter.com please note places are limited.
Fashion SVP – Busiest to Date
The organisers of Fashion SVP, the international sourcing show, have reported back from a successful January edition.
The latest instalment took place on the 29th – 30th January 2020 at Olympia, London and saw visitors increase by 28% up over 2019, with senior buyers from most major brands attending. A new slot in September (8th & 9th) has been announced for the 2nd edition in 2020.
Established regulars on the Fashion SVP agenda Fashion-Enter / FashionCapital hosted an ‘Ethical Manufacturing Uncovered’ – a ‘drop-in’ practical and interactive stand to demonstrate all the services and courses that we provide.
Fashion-Enter CEO Jenny Holloway commented: “Fashion SVP was the busiest we have known it to date. Our stand was inundated with quality retailers and quality start-up and scale-up brands. A few of the retailers had commented that with the shut down with China and the coronavirus they are now actively engaging and looking at UK sources. The UK now has so much to offer with short runs and fast track production. Thank-you to Ralph and Buzz for a productive event.”
Next Up – Pure London
On day 1 of Pure London, Sunday 9th February 2020, our CEO Jenny Holloway will join a panel on the Origin Theatre to discuss: ‘Fabric Sustainability criteria and metrics’. She will then take to the stage on her own for a presentation on ‘Understanding garment making in the UK and shedding light on the ‘Fast Fashion is land-fill’ misconception.’ Pure Origin, together with leading fashion trade show Pure London, is a UK trade show that offers visitors the full supply chain under one roof.
To find out more about Pure London and to register please click here.
New Masterclasses Now Available…
EFI Optitex 2D & 3D Pattern Design – 3-day February course – 5th, 6th and 7th February 2020
Gerber AccuMark Digital Pattern Making for Beginners – 3-day February course Saturday 8th & 15th & 22nd February 2020.
How To Realise Your Goals Personally and Professionally with Eric Gilston – (Free) Thursday 5th March 2020.
Your Body; Your Block – Constructing a Bodice Block – Tuesday 10th March 2020.
TR Pattern Cutting Taster – Saturday 14th March 2020.
The Power of Your Mindset with Eric Gilston – (Free) Thursday 16th April 2020.
FC Fabric Swatch of the Week
Thinking about warmer days ahead we’ve picked out this seashell print cotton, add a bit of fun into your sewing projects with this cute print. Tap here to view this fabric.
This Week on FashionCapital.co.uk
Taking place from 14th February – 18th February 2020 London Fashion Week is to become a city-wide event that will include over 78 brands, 103 stores and 346 events.
Working with the Affordable Workspace programme, Fashion-Enter has created a unique spreadsheet of innovative ideas starting with free Taster Stitching classes.
Spot the AlfaForm fit mannequins on the Netflix series now on: ‘Next in Fashion.’
And Finally…
This week’s Belles bestseller is the Athena strappy, draped dress, easy to throw on for some understated glamour! Tap here to view this dress.
