At the Fashion Technology Academy, we have always put our learners front and centre. This is not a new approach or a response to a changing education narrative. While there is now increased recognition across education of the importance of putting the individual learner at the heart of their journey, this has always been central to what we believe about education, learning and progression.
We recognise that every learner is different. They bring their own experiences, ambitions, strengths and challenges to their learning journey and our role is to understand the individual and provide the support, guidance and opportunities they need to succeed.
Enrichment and progression activities are an important part of the Fashion Technology Academy experience. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, we develop support around each learner through individual Next Steps Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG).
This means understanding what each learner wants to achieve, discussing their ambitions and identifying the practical steps that can help them move forward.
Where appropriate, we connect learners with industry professionals who can provide insight, advice and support after their course has finished. This is aligned to each learner’s individual learning plan, aims and aspirations.
Our aim is simple: to ensure that completing a course is not the end of the journey, but a stepping stone towards the learner’s next opportunity.
One of the ways we continue to support our learners is through our programme of free FashionCapital masterclasses, giving learners access to additional industry knowledge and practical insight.
Our forthcoming masterclasses with industry professional, Caroline Trend will provide another opportunity for learners to extend their knowledge, hear directly from an experienced industry professional and gain insight that complements their formal learning.
Links to upcoming online masterclasses with Caroline Trend:
11th November: Sourcing Fabrics & Manufacturers: Where Do You Start?
2nd December: From Inspiration to Product: Where to Start With Your Ideas
These opportunities are part of our wider commitment to enrichment and ensuring our learners have access to the knowledge, networks and confidence they need as they progress into the fashion industry.
From the very first IAG conversation, we pay particular attention to providing learners with the factual information they need, alongside qualified advice, guidance and appropriate signposting.
Sometimes that may mean identifying further educational opportunities. For others, it could be information about entering employment, progressing within the industry or developing a particular skill set.
We also provide practical support that can make a real difference when a learner is preparing for their next step. This includes CV writing, interview techniques, what to wear for an interview and even practical guidance on getting to an interview.
These may sound like small things, but for someone taking their first steps into the workplace, they can make a significant difference to confidence and preparation.
Importantly, our learner-centred approach goes beyond academic achievement.
We recognise that wellbeing can have a significant impact on a person’s learning experience, confidence and progression. This is why all of our tutors are now Mental Health First Aiders, strengthening the support available to learners throughout their time at the Academy.
For FEL CEO Jenny Holloway, this commitment is deeply personal.
“Because of my background, whereby my mother had severe mental health issues from when I was four years old, and also being diagnosed as dyslexic at primary school, I’ve always believed that education has to be flexible, adaptable and right for the individual.
“Just because a learner may have an undisclosed or disclosed barrier to learning does not mean that they have limited their academic or personal achievement in any way whatsoever. There are ways to embed learning for every single learner that comes into our Academy.
“I’m absolutely proud of every single tutor and the support that they give our learners.”
For us, putting learners first means recognising that achievement does not look the same for everyone.
It means listening, adapting, providing the right information and guidance, creating additional opportunities and making sure learners know that support is available when they need it.
Most importantly, it means believing in the potential of every individual who walks through our doors.
At the Fashion Technology Academy, the learner has always been at the centre of everything we do because education works best when it works for the individual.