Millie Jenkinson, a second-year BA Fashion Design student at Plymouth College of Art, has undertaken an internship at swimwear brand Davy J, with support from the Drapers’ x UKFT Bursary programme.

Davy J is an emerging swimwear brand based in Plymouth, which is designed to last longer and fight the trend of throwaway fashion.

Millie said: “I’m getting on really well with the internship and thoroughly enjoying the experience. I have definitely been learning a lot more and applying my own technical skills within the company more recently with a lot of support from the owner, Helen. I have been doing work in many parts of the business including returns, packaging, posting, labelling, making technical drawings for new designs and also working on new designs for the suits. I have also got to assist with two photoshoots which have been really fun and help plan another one which is upcoming.

“It’s been very different from what I expected as I feel more part of the growing team at Davy J and will actually be carrying on working at the brand, alongside finishing my degree, once the internship is finished.”

UKFT and The Drapers’ Company are working together to support fashion and textile students across the UK to achieve good quality internships through the scheme.

Financial support from the Drapers’ Company is available to ten students annually to take up internship opportunities they may otherwise struggle to afford.

UKFT is providing mentoring, guidance, and networking opportunities to each student to ensure their internships are safe, enjoyable and valuable.

The scheme is part of UKFT’s work to increase the industry knowledge and experience of graduates, as well as opening up new routes into the sector.

Find out more about the bursary scheme here.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT UKFT’S WORK WITH UNIVERSITIES AND COLLEGES