At a reception at the Houses of Parliament, the UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT) announced that it has become the Sector Skills Body for the Fashion & Textiles industry.

 

UKFT has taken over the management of current apprenticeship frameworks with the responsibility of both registration and certification of apprentices in England, Scotland and Wales and to work with devolved nation’s stakeholders, to ensure that National Occupational Standards and apprenticeship provision for the sector are maintained and developed. 

 

The announcement came as UKFT, Damian Collins MP and Graduate Fashion Week hosted key policy makers, industry influencers, major retailers, leading brands and UK manufacturers at the House of Commons to celebrate the fashion and textile industry.

 

Adam Mansell CEO of UKFT:    

“With industry skills and training being a huge part of UKFT’s commitment to the sector, this is very welcome news. We are proud to take over from Creative Skillset, which has supported the industry since 2010 and we thank them for the achievements made during that time. It is extremely important to ensure the management and certification of apprenticeships and other vocational qualifications is closely aligned to the needs of the industry.”

 

Mark Froud, Managing Director, Federation for Industry Sector Skills & Standards (FISSS):  

“We look forward to working with UKFT; being close to the Employers is critical and they have their trust and respect. UKFT has a strong approach to ensuring that Apprenticeships and training are kept up to date in what is an increasingly fast paced world.”

 

Seetha Kumar CEO of Creative Skillset:

“Creative Skillset would like to thank the employers and professionals who have been involved in developing standards and frameworks for Fashion and Textiles over the past 7 years. We wish UKFT the very best of luck as they continue the crucial job of supporting apprenticeship and vocational training in the Fashion and Textiles sector.”

 

The transfer of responsibility from Creative Skillset to UKFT is now live.

 

For further information please contact:

Tamara Rizvi:  tamara.rizvi@ukft.org 020 7843 9460