Last week, commencing 28th July 2025, marked another successful series of Factory Uncovered tours at Fashion-Enter Ltd (FEL) and the Fashion Technology Academy (FTA), as students from diverse academic backgrounds were given a rare inside look into the workings of FEL’s modern fashion manufacturing facility. Led by FEL Director Caroline Ash, the week was filled with hands-on insights, tailored seminars, and enthusiastic student engagement.
The week began with an intimate session with a group of Introduction to Garment Technology students from the Fashion Retail Academy (FRA). Despite varying levels of prior experience, the group proved highly attentive and inquisitive.
Caroline Ash collaborated closely with the students’ tutor to align the tour with their curriculum, ensuring core concepts in garment construction, pattern cutting, and production flow were thoroughly covered. The result was a highly productive session that balanced technical detail with real-world applications — offering the students a meaningful glimpse into the demands of the garment industry.
Midweek saw a lively return from MPW Summer School, marking their third visit this year. This group of Art and Design students brought a creative energy to the session, with particular interest in the intersection of fashion and emerging technologies.
“They were especially captivated by the segments on technology and AI,” said Caroline Ash, who tailored her presentation to showcase how FEL integrates innovation into manufacturing — from digital pattern making to AI-assisted design. The session sparked dynamic discussions and reinforced the importance of technology in shaping the future of fashion. FEL is already looking forward to welcoming MPW students again next year.
Wrapping up the week was a seminar with students from Kings Park School, marking their third visit to FEL. This summer school group had a different focus — Business Studies — prompting Caroline to adapt the session to explore fashion from a commercial and operational perspective.
Topics included supply chain logistics, ethical manufacturing, and cost efficiency in UK-based production. The business-focused lens offered students valuable context for how fashion enterprises function beyond the creative process.
“What a fantastic way to end the week,” Caroline noted, reflecting on the variety and enthusiasm across all three sessions.
Feedback from the groups included…
Fashion Retail Academy:
“Amazing to see the machines and the process. Very interested in the addition of new tech, AI and machinery. Thank you.”
“I learnt almost the whole process about producing, key points and so on. Thanks for your time. Hope to see you soon.”
“I have learnt how each stage of the production process works and can take this knowledge back to my current role.”
MPW Summer School:
“I have learned about repairing for the first time and I found it very interesting. The AI system was also very new to me and I admired it. It was a wonderful experience. It was very informative and the tour was thorough.”
“I learnt about the process, machines and the time taken to create clothing, especially the difference between high and low quality clothing. The explanation of the AI software was very interesting, and the realism of the rendered models were eye opening. Everything was great and it was a unique experience.”
Kings Park School:
“I learnt a lot of things. Very Interesting.”
“I learnt about the different ways that garments can be made, including luxury items, great speaker, well prepared!”