When Councillor Charles Adje, Cabinet Minister for Regeneration visited the Fashion Technology Academy we ensured he met with three of our brightest stars, all making waves in the industry since graduating from the apprenticeship programme.
Izzy Higgs
“After completing a one-year Art Foundation Course at AUB I stumbled across an apprenticeship on Facebook and decided to spontaneously apply. Never imagining I would be successful, I was in fact offered the job as Studio Assistant at Marios Schwab in London. Here I was responsible for helping to manage the sample room, assisting with pattern cutters and machinists, assisting in fittings and managing interns in preparation for London Fashion Week. Once a week I also worked on the coursework side of the apprenticeship at Fashion Enter. Working at Marios Schwab was fast paced, hands on and hard work but this also meant I learnt quickly and was then taken on afterwards as a full time employee as Studio and Product Development Assistant..
Following the apprenticeship Izzy was offered a full time role with Marios Schwab and stayed on for another year. After this she moved Nanjing, China where she worked in a factory for a UK supplier as the Sample Room Coordinator. Izzy managed the menswear sample room, overseeing a team of machinists and pattern cutters to ensure all development samples were made to a high standard for customer meetings.
‘In September 2018, I will start my MBA in Fashion Business at the IFA in Paris.
Without the apprenticeship I know I would not be where I am now. It has been integral in my career progression and I am so grateful I had the opportunity to do it! I cannot recommend apprenticeships enough, as pursuing this rather than University was the best decision I ever made!”
Marquel Williams-Braham
Having completed both the Level 1 and 2 Stitching Academy courses, Marquel was successfully offered a position on the Level 3 Apprenticeship programme as Costume Machinist with DSI Clothing who create the costumes for Strictly Come Dancing!
“I loved working with Strictly, I learnt at a fast pace which is motivating me – I love to learn! I could see my skills growing as I worked on more and more advanced garments. I was able to show my passion, which is making clothes, whilst continuing to develop.”
Having completed the apprenticeship Marquel has now gone on to set up his own womenswear label called Yodea and he will be showcasing during London Fashion Week as part of London Queer fashion Show on 21st September
Amy Walczak
Since graduating from the Level 3 Apprenticeship programme Amy has secured a role as junior garment technologist in jersey at M&Co.
We asked Amy why she choose an apprenticeship over university –
‘There are so many factors as to why I chose to do my apprenticeship at the FTA. For example there are facilities provided for apprentices to grow skills and knowledge to use throughout our careers. As a garment tech, the FTA provides constant exposure to the Factory and the Fabric Studio and this enables me to practice and improve the skills I will need in the industry. CEO Jenny Holloway and FTA have been so supportive with my leaning experience ad have really boosted my confidence, especially when Jenny nominated me for the ‘high achiever’ award from Waltham Forest College.’
‘I’ve had an amazing opportunity being here, without doing this apprenticeship I wouldn’t have been able to gain my qualification as well as the skills I have gained here to start off my career at M&Co. I am extremely grateful.’
Huge congratulations to Izzy, Marquel and Amy.
We are so proud of all three learners who all we believe all have huge potential and successful careers ahead of them.
This could be you! We are now recruiting for exciting roles with Erdem, Ralph & Russo and N16 Vintage on the Level 3 apprenticeship programme.
To apply submit your CV to apprenticeships@fashion-enter.com
Related articles – Councillor Charles Adje, Cabinet Member For Regeneration Visits The FTA