The United Kingdom Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT) is working with a group of tailoring, couture, and high-end garment manufacturers to develop a new National Apprenticeship for Garment Makers. The initiative is aimed at development of various roles including trainee couturiers, sample makers, tailors, dressmakers, costumiers and sample machinists. “Once approved, this apprenticeship and the relevant funding will be available to all employers, so we want to make sure the content is right, fit for purpose and appropriate for our industry,” UKFT said in a press release. The UK apparel industry consists of mainly micro, small and medium enterprises, producing premium garments for various markets, including womenswear, menswear and childrenswear. “In line with the apprenticeship development process, we have created a standard which lists the key duties and the knowledge, skills, and behaviours expected of a competent person employed in this role. If you manufacture clothing, we’d really appreciate a few moments of your time to provide feedback. This will be invaluable for further content development, confirming sector support and will help ensure the right training is in place for our future workforce,” the release added.
