National Apprenticeship Week (6th – 12th of February 2023) focuses on the theme; ‘Skills for Life’ – an ethos the Fashion Technology Academy (FTA) aims to provide with our fashion and textile led courses and apprenticeships.
As one of the largest training providers of Advanced Apprenticeships at Levels 3, 4 and 5 within Apparel Manufacturing, working with employers such as ASOS.com, Next, Mountain Warehouse, Amazon and smaller brands such as N16 Vintage, we have taught and encouraged many apprentices with the development of their skills.
On successful completion of their apprenticeship many are offered full-time employment in what is a highly competitive sector.
Here are 5 good reasons why an apprenticeship provides a brilliant stepping-stone into the industry…
1. Firstly the costs, with University fees now reaching approximately £9,250 a year in the UK (more for International students) student debt has become astronomical with some students graduating with a debt of over £40k before they even start their career.
2. “The best designers know how to pattern cut.” So many times we hear about University graduates with highly creative portfolios that have no idea how to pattern cut or construct a garment. To succeed as a designer today this foundation knowledge is crucial and should be fundamental to the design process.
3. As an apprentice your training fees are funded by the government or your employer and you are in fact paid for both the work you do and the one-day training a week. The aim after the 18-month programme is the offer a full-time position, which many achieve.
4. A real, hands-on experience. The Fashion & Textiles Apprenticeship programme is a unique combination of training and career specific work experience. As an apprentice you gain industry experience whilst training for a qualification, which compliments your day-to-day life at work.
The training takes place at the Fashion Technology Academy, which is the UK’s first training Academy aligned to a live factory environment. Students are set live projects on the factory floor ensuring they understand the complete garment production process and they can document evidence for their portfolios.
5. Not sure if an apprenticeship is for you? We have a selection of short courses in Stitching, Patterns and Quality Control, all areas of the industry that are crying out for skilled employees, that span 5-weeks and up and caters for beginners who can then progress to higher qualifications. We also offer more specific courses in tailoring – another area of the industry with a high skilled worker shortage.
If you are interested in a Fashion and Textile apprenticeship you can find out more about the various pathways here.
We are currently recruiting for apprentices in-house as well as for positions in London and Leicester. Tap here for the current listings on offer.