The latest cohort of Skills Bootcamp learners at Leicester’s Fashion Hub are already making confident strides, embracing creativity and technical skill as they begin their journey into the fashion and textiles industry.
From the very start of the course, students are encouraged to think imaginatively about garment creation. Even those with limited prior experience using industrial sewing machines are challenged to translate a creative brief into a tangible outcome. This early focus on experimentation helps learners build confidence, problem-solve through making, and understand how ideas evolve from concept to finished product.
The current cohort have recently completed their first practical project: creating jersey T-shirts. Prior to construction, learners took part in a group session exploring the key differences between jersey and woven fabrics, alongside learning about the origins of fibres used in fabric production. This foundational knowledge helped students make informed decisions about fabric handling, stretch and finish.
The project concluded with a visual display of the finished garments on mannequins, followed by a supportive group critique. This session gave learners the opportunity to discuss their design choices, reflect on challenges, and celebrate each other’s achievements, an important part of building both technical understanding and industry-style feedback skills.
As the bootcamp progresses, learners will continue to develop essential, job-ready skills. Up next is learning how to cut fabric using a layplan and stitch a woven shirt, introducing more structured construction techniques and reinforcing accuracy and efficiency.
Following this, students will explore how to break down design ideas to meet a customer brief, focusing on achieving the best aesthetic while balancing practicality and production considerations. This approach mirrors real-world fashion industry processes and prepares learners for professional environments.
The Skills Bootcamp in New Skills for Fashion Businesses is delivered by educational arm of Fashion-Enter Ltd (Fashion Technology Academy) at its Leicester campus at Phoenix House. This government-funded initiative is designed to equip local individuals with practical, industry-relevant skills tailored to the needs of fashion and textile businesses.
Skills Bootcamps are flexible, intensive courses lasting four weeks (72 hours). They offer learners the opportunity to build sector-specific skills and fast-track to an interview with an employer, making them an ideal route into the industry.
Skills Bootcamps run continuously throughout the year, offering ongoing opportunities for individuals looking to start or progress a career in the fashion and textiles industry.
Leicester Campus
Fcftaleicester@fashion-enter.com
FCFTA (Leicester)
Phoenix House, 2nd Floor,
1 King Street,
Leicester LE1 6RN
Tel: 0208 809 3311