On 4th December the Newtown Fashion & Textiles Academy officially opened.
Powys County Council, UK Shared Prosperity Fund, NPTC Group of Colleges and Fashion-Enter Ltd have collaborated to make the academy a reality. Throughout November Fashion-Enter Ltd’s Senior Tutor, Ana Cover, worked with the tutors and students to get them up to speed on the Level 1 Stitching qualification.
The launch event took place on-site at the Academy, located in the historic Pryce Jones Building in Newtown. During the launch guests heard insightful and inspiring talks from Powys County Council’s David Selby, Fashion-Enter Ltd’s CEO Jenny Holloway, and the former Miss Wales, Gabriella Jukes. Throughout the evening guests could explore the Academy, network and were also treated to a sustainable fashion catwalk show and an exhibition celebrating the legacy of Laura Ashley.
FEL’s CEO Jenny Holloway said: “I was delighted to attend the inaugural opening of the new Fashion and Textiles Academy in the Pryce Jones building, the former home of our factory. It’s fantastic that Ana has been on-site for the last couple of weeks teaching tutors and students.
“One big personal aim for FEL will be to create a Repair Centre in the future, using the amazingly talented teachers that we used to employ from Laura Ashley. I am looking forward to more exciting developments in Newtown in the New Year.”
The Academy in partnership with Powys County Council can offer a range of full-time and part-time courses including sewing, machining, and surface pattern design and a Level 3 Sustainable Fashion program, blending sustainable practices with creative design. With expert guidance from industry professionals, students will gain hands-on experience and business knowledge to thrive in the fashion world. Want to know more tap here.