UKFT’s MADE IT programme has been developed to enrich the production and sourcing knowledge of fashion and textile graduates and to illustrate the wealth of technical and creative roles available throughout the UK supply chain.

The five universities selected to take part this academic year are Plymouth College of Art, Winchester School of Art, De Montfort University, University of Salford and Bucks New University.

The programme is made up of three elements:

MADE IT Production and Sourcing Masterclass

The Masterclass will be delivered to each participating university, with the aim of promoting the importance of production and sourcing within a rounded fashion education and to highlight the breadth of job opportunities across the supply chain.

MADE IT Production Internship

The MADE IT Production Internship was developed after observing the impact of immersing students in the production environment. One student from each participating university will be offered a fully financially-supported internship opportunity within a fashion or textile production environment in the UK.

MADE IT Quality Internship material

UKFT will work with students and employers to develop two sets of publicly-available collateral that aim to raise the quality and expectations of internships across the industry

• Quality Internship Collateral for students and
• Quality Internship Collateral for employers.

This round of the MADE IT programme will run from Autumn 2020 for the next three academic years with the generous support of The Clothworkers’ Company and CapitB Trust.

“We are proud once more to be working with UKFT as part of the MADE IT project. It’s a great opportunity for our students to learn more about UK manufacturing for the apparel sector, and there is no better time given the current circumstances and changes within the fashion industry. In particular, it’s a tremendous opening for one student to gain hands-on experience of production processes working with some of the best companies within the UK.” 

Bashir Aswat, Programme Leader MA & BA Fashion Design, University of Salford

“We are very much looking forward to our second year students on Fashion Design and Textile Design engaging with the UKFT MADE IT scheme this year. The masterclass launch is set to benefit many students in related disciplines, while the competitive internship will complement our design provision with professional experience of production and manufacturing. This will be invaluable career development.”

Dr Clio Padovani, Deputy Head of School Education at Winchester School of Art

“We are delighted to be able to offer these opportunities to fashion and textile students across the UK. Graduates with a strong understanding of the production side of the industry are highly valued. The chance to work within some of the UK’s brilliant mills and manufacturers is invaluable.”

Adam Mansell, CEO of UKFT

UKFT would love to hear from universities that are interested in getting involved next academic year and from manufacturers who would like to work with Made It students, please get in touch – info@ukft.org.

Find out about MADE IT

Find out more about how UKFT works with Colleges and Universities

Find out more about becoming a UKFT Education Partner