On Thursday 10th September, Fashion Technology Academy (FTA) Leicester took part in a Community Recruitment and Careers Fair organised by Highfields Centre in association with Project H.O.P.E and the Civil Service.
The event brought together more than 25 employers and training providers, including local Leicester businesses and the Police, to showcase employment, training and career opportunities to people in the local community. Attendees were also able to speak with job coaches who could provide guidance and support as they considered their next steps into employment, training or a career change.
FTA Leicester attended the event to promote its Stitching and Pattern courses and apprenticeship opportunities, highlighting the range of skills and personal benefits that creative education can provide. The event provided an excellent opportunity to speak directly with members of the community and explain how FTA’s courses can support individuals to develop practical skills, improve their employability and provide a positive and creative outlet.
During the event, FTA Leicester engaged with more than 60 individuals, including members of the public and job coaches. Engaging with job coaches was particularly valuable as it created opportunities to extend awareness of FTA’s courses beyond those attending the event directly, potentially helping more people access information about relevant training and employment pathways.
The conversations also provided an opportunity to explain how participation in creative courses can contribute to wider personal development. FTA Leicester was able to discuss how stitching and pattern courses can help individuals develop practical and transferable skills, build confidence, support wellbeing and create a sense of achievement through a tangible creative output.
The careers fair also strengthened FTA Leicester’s knowledge of the wider support available within the local community. Speaking with other employers, training providers and support organisations provided valuable insight into the services available to individuals seeking employment, training or career development.
This knowledge will support FTA Leicester’s end-of-programme Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) for students. By developing a better understanding of local services and referral opportunities, staff can provide students with more informed guidance about the next steps available to them after completing their programme.
Overall, the event was a valuable opportunity for FTA Leicester to engage directly with the local community, promote its training provision and apprenticeships, develop relationships with other organisations, and increase its awareness of local employment and support pathways. The engagement with over 60 individuals demonstrates the reach of the event and provides a strong example of FTA Leicester’s commitment to community engagement, employability and supporting individuals to progress towards their future goals.