Leicester Textiles Festival – FCFTA Upcycling Workshop
FCFTA Leicester were proud to take part in the very first Leicester Textiles Festival. The Festival ran from 16th – 24th September and its aim was to transform the city into a buzzing and engaging hive of activity as people came together to discover the festival through a variety of exciting events.
The Leicester team were delighted to be involved and hold a Pop Up event at the Highcross Shopping Centre on Wednesday 20th September. The empty unit was transformed into a creative hub and people were encouraged to pop-in upcycle and alter their preloved garments.
FCFTA Leicester had tutors on standby to provide advice and guidance on new creations and to support with an introduction to using industrial sewing machines.
Deputy CEO Jackie Bertram said: “Thank-you to the organising team for including FCFTA Leicester in this great initiative. The shop (transformed into a workshop) was a hive of creative activity. The diversity, innovation and enthusiasm in the workshops was fantastic and it’s amazing what can be achieved with a little imagination and support.”
Rachel (Attendee) commented: “Loved this workshop!!! Very creative team. I really liked that the materials and the equipment was provided but we were also taught how to change our own clothes.”
FCFTA Leicester take part in St Matthews Jobs Fair
On Thursday 21st September, Divya, FTA Educational Assistant Manager, attended the St Matthews Jobs Fair to promote FREE Level 1 and 2 Courses in Industrial Sewing and Pattern Making. The next courses start on 9th October. Please contact Divya@fashion-enter.com to secure a place.
This event was a large Jobs Fair with 20 different business and community groups promoting jobs and education.
Divya was lucky to meet Jonathan Ashworth the MP for Leicester South; it was a great opportunity to tell him about the good work the FCFTA does in Leicester.
This new academic year we have 29 people enrolled on ESOL classes, now running two-days a week from the Academy along with Multiply classes in numeracy for textiles.
Rally and Protest – Spinney Hill Park Leicester LE5 5FD
On Sunday 1st October ‘Labour Behind the Label’ have organised a Rally to support Garment Worker Jobs in Leicester.
The reduction in orders in Leicester and the UK is significant as Brands look for cheaper sourcing routes. The impact is being felt across the city with skilled workers loosing their jobs.
This rally is to promote fair practices by brands – in particular UK brands.
Jackie added: “We are seeing an increase in ex-garment workers coming to the academy to increase their skills and become more universal workers. This is because the factory they were working in has closed and they are keen to seek employment in the industry they know and love. Through making workers multi-skilled there is the opportunity to adapt to the changing consumer market. However, to do this brands need to commit to making a small percentage of their order in the UK to allow the industry to change and grow.”