On Friday 25th August Fashion Enter hosted an ASOS Open Day at the Fashion Technology Academy for the Advanced Apprenticeship in garment technology.
As pioneers of the apprenticeship programme ASOS confirmed this year they were looking to hire a further three apprentices in their garment technology department, two in womenswear and one in men’s. After months of recruitment 20 candidates were selected to attend the first stage assessments where they were introduced to the programme and had an opportunity meet with the team at ASOS.
The session commenced with the an introduction and welcome by Jenny Holloway who then promptly took the candidates on to the Factory floor where they were asked to complete an observation task on what makes the Factory ethical and compliant. For many it was the first time inside a garment manufacturer so their observation skills were put to the test! A number of candidates successfully pointed out the overhead wires, bright lighting, clear walkways and much more!
Fashion Enter then went onto to explain what the 18 month programme entails and what a garment technologist really does and how crucial the role is within the complete production process. Jenny demonstrated a live ASOS order with a spec, lay plan, toile and finished garment for the ASOS White collection currently being sampled in the Fashion Studio.
It was then time to hear directly from ASOS with members of the womenswear and menswear garment tech team talking about what it is like to work for the global etailer and what their day to day tasks include.
Jessica Cheung joined the apprenticeship programme in 2015 and she has now been offered a full role time as Junior Garment Technologist, Jessica spoke to the group about her experiences and gave a fantastic insight into the day to day life as an apprentice at ASOS and how the training at Fashion Enter consolidates everything she is required to do in her role at ASOS. She explained how she has learnt so much about the company as her training enabled her to liaise and work collaboratively with all departments from design to patterns to buying. Jessica spoke positively about her one day training a week at the Fashion Technology Academy due to the link with the live factory environment. She could experience first-hand what goes on pre-production, in production and post production making her understanding of the garment life cycle so much stronger.
Following the presentations by the ASOS team it was time for one to one interviews where the candidates had an opportunity to talk about their own personal experiences, background and their understanding of the role.
With an extremely high standard it wasn’t easier to select those going through to the second stage interviews, but after much deliberation the team has selected 9 candidates to take through.
On 7th September a final assessment centre will take place at ASOS head office. Watch this space!