On 6th January 25, Lan Leeder, Head of Education at the FTA, held a ‘Learner’s Voice’ session with the latest cohort of Level 1 and 2 students that have just finished their Stitching and Pattern courses.
Learner’s Voice sessions give students the opportunity to provide honest feedback, suggest course improvements and to also discuss their next steps.
Examples of feedback from this group included:
What went well?
EJ: Completing the workbooks and practical tasks helped me gain a lot of technical knowledge and vocabulary. Since my background is in textiles, learning new vocabulary in pattern making has been very helpful to my progression. I like this course.
MS: I like all the tasks I have done in the course, such as designing, toiles, and pattern making in Level 2. I did Level 1 so this was a good progression.
MR: We can work at our own pace. The teachers are very supportive and understanding, and the environment is amazing and vibrant. I really like how we can personalise our own tasks, too!
RG: You do not need prior sewing knowledge to do the course, and we can work at our own pace. The teachers are engaging and wonderful, with great personalities too. They are extremely understanding.
What could be improved?
SB. Signing up for the course was confusing due to a lack of information and communication before it began. I was not informed about the differences between the 5-week and 10-week courses. I prefer to do the L1C course but was not given the option.
MR: Some videos explaining the step-by-step process would be helpful. This would also free up the teacher’s time and give us something to refer to.
The FTA website needs an update. While the DWS space is impressive, it does not match the overall image of the website. Additionally, encouraging students to leave a Google review after completing the course would be beneficial, as it would help potential students make informed decisions about enrolment.
RG: It would be great to have access to a wider range of fabrics for practice. Also having a PDF version of all courses on your website would enable us to print and save them for future reference.
Would you recommend the course?
ALL: YES. 100%
EJ: Yes! I have already informed my friends about this course.
MR: Yes! I paid for the stitching course. It was very affordable for a five-week intensive course.
What do you need for the next steps?
SB and EJ: I’m willing to pay for specialist courses such as draping, corsetry, and lingerie.
EJ: Business support as I want to start my own brand.
RG: I like to do a Level 3 Garment Construction course.
Following the meeting, Lan provided an overview of the next steps for all learners and detailed the options available upon course completion. She shared a link to the paid short courses available on Eventbrite and emphasised other services we offer, including hot desking, table and machine rentals through the DWS website, and free masterclasses.
Lan encouraged everyone to subscribe to the FashionCapital newsletter to stay updated on events and the free masterclasses. Overall, the learners found great value in the course and appreciated the space, tasks, and support provided by their tutor.
Immediately after the meeting, MR from the Stitching Level 1 Award left a positive Google review, expressing that he had an excellent experience. He urged all students to share their feedback as well, highlighting that it would assist others in making the decision to enrol in the course.
“Amazing place to learn how about stitching/sewing and fashion! Such a cool space with a mix of students and fashion designers. The teachers are so lovely and have a ton of experience. Courses are super affordable as well.” Mautiz Rade
In conclusion, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the course and would recommend it to others. Providing these vital ‘Learner’s Voice’ sessions ensures that the FTA receives ongoing feedback about its courses and how they can be improved, along with providing students with next steps advice and quality IAG (information, advice and guidance).