Update: only 1 spot available to participate in this year’s programme. See below how to apply.

UK textile companies can now apply for funding for young textile technicians to attend ITMA 2023 in Milan, as part of the new UKFT Young Textile Technician Education and Travel Bursary Fund.

Educating the future generation of the UK textile and fashion skilled workforce has never been as important. Technological advances and automation, advanced material development and processes, fibre and fabric innovation alongside sustainable practices in manufacturing and transparency across the global supply chain, will be the core foundations of the fashion and textile industry for the future.

This new fund builds on the success of UKFT’s Young Textile Technician Fund, which covers 50% of the costs of in-depth training for young textile technicians, thanks to the generous support of The Worshipful Company of Weavers, The Worshipful Company of Clothworkers and The Worshipful Company of Drapers.

As part of the new scheme, travel grants will be available to visit the next edition of the international textile machinery show ITMA in Milan in 2023. ITMA has been at the heart of the industry since 1951 and is the world’s only exhibition to cover textile machinery used in the entire supply chain. ITMA 2023 will focus on advance materials and automation, a digital future, innovation technologies, sustainability and the move towards a greener planet and a more circular economy.

Traditionally while senior management from UK textile companies visit ITMA, the next generation do not. The scheme will support a group of up to 10 young textile technicians, with grant funding to cover travel and accommodation costs incurred to attend the show. To ensure the programme supports as many individual companies as possible, there will be one place per company available on a first come, first served basis.

To ensure the young technician attendees to the ITMA show gain knowledge, insight and connection to the wider global technology companies and exhibitors, they would be accompanied by a UKFT team member who will support and co-ordinate the plan and schedule.

To register your interest, please contact paula.mcilwraith@ukft.org

UKFT’s Young Textile Technician Fund