As much as Fashion-Enter Ltd (FEL) prides itself on the delivery of an outstanding vocational skills provision, it’s recognised by all of the Fashion Technology Academy team that we can never rest on our laurels and we need to keep on striving to be the best we can!
On 13th January, Jenny Holloway, CEO and Lead Principle for the educational services for the FCFTA training provision at Leicester, known as the Fashion Hub, held a Learner’s Voice and Next Steps session with students at the end of their course.
The services on offer have expanded at the Fashion Hub in Leicester to include; repairs, sampling and short run production. This opportunity has arisen with the support of the Leicester City Council on the UKSPF and Skills Bootcamp funding for employers to create a pool of upskilled talent.
Jenny discussed core aims to the learners and requested feedback throughout the seminar that lasted 45-minutes.
The core aims included:
- To ensure that the learners aims are being met
- To find out if there are areas for improvement
- To confirm progression routes and next steps after the courses
- To provide quality IAG – Information Advice and Guidance for all learners – both Exit and Next Steps
- To ensure that the cross section of learners was a representative of their cohort
As the meeting progressed Jenny also reviewed the next steps available to the learners which covered the following topics:
· What fashion/vocational courses are available
· Fashion apprenticeship
· Studio space to rent
· The Fashion Studio
· Upskill with digital training
· How to start your own brand – this includes this weeks Zoom masterclass ‘How to Be your own Boss‘ which is a free seminar via FashionCapital on Friday 17th January at 11am.
However, it was clear that the learners want work and also need to have a job or create their own business.
Jenny carefully explained the progression routes available from Level 1 through to Level 2, then Workers Rights and the Level 3 equivalent with the Skills Bootcamp working with employers such as Recomme, Barrie Knitwear and smaller SME’s.
Jenny commented: “It was superb to meet all the learner’s today and gain feedback directly on what is working so well, but I was surprised that there was a unanimous verdict that the Fashion Hub is a beacon of good practices for mental health wellbeing, and is generating a strong sense of community.
“One learner explained that when she first came to the Fashion Hub in January she felt depressed, she had nothing to look forward to and had no purpose in life. Since she has been with the Fashion Hub she is highly motivated and is the first to volunteer and attend her classes at 9 am every morning. She spoke passionately about our provision being like no other vocational learning centre that she had ever been to and doesn’t want to leave. She would be happy to volunteer and work for free.
“This was such encouraging feedback. Learning is not just about attainment of vocational skills. It’s also about that sense of hope, respect and purpose.”
Other learner feedback included:
A M: “I learnt about the support the FTA offers, potential for jobs, safeguarding, mental health support, future self employment, masterclasses. Leicester Made opportunities and room hire. It was a fantastic course and teachers, thank you.”
A D: “Good platform for learners to learn all about fashion and the factory. Jenny gave very informative guidance to us about finding a job, various courses, what we can do next, and what we have to do – which was very helpful.”
A T: “I have learnt about factories, job information, freelancing, marketing information and personal development. It was very good and informative.”
Throughout the day Jenny also undertook observations on all teaching staff as well as IQA.