UKFT at the Making It In Textiles conference
24/10/2023
UKFT’s manufacturing consultant Elliot Barlow offered practical guidance and advice for final-year textile degree students taking their first steps into the industry at the Making It In Textiles conference in Bradford, held from 17-18 October.
Mill visit to AW Hainsworth
Established in 2014, the conference is a collaboration between The Campaign for Wool, The Clothworkers’ Company, The Drapers’ Company, The Weavers’ Company, and the Woolmen’s Company and aims to forge stronger links between educational institutions and the UK textile manufacturing industry.
In addition to hearing from a variety of experts and industry insiders about career opportunities in the UK textile manufacturing sector, students also visited several local mills including:
- Abraham Moon
- AW Hainsworth
- Camira Fabrics
- Marton Mills
- Stanley Mills, part of the Luxury Fabrics Group.
Following the mill visits, UKFT’s Elliot Barlow hosted a panel discussion to advise students on how to enter the UK textile industry and make the most of career opportunities.
Elliot said:
“The event gave a great overview of some of the exciting career paths available in the textile manufacturing industry and students from all across the UK were blown away by what they saw on the mill visits, as an example of what a real life career in textiles could offer. Today’s textile manufacturing industry offers a wide range of opportunities in all areas of the supply chain from spinning, weaving, knitting dyeing and finishing, all with innovation and sustainability at the core of new roles.”
UKFT works with industry to promote the wealth of careers, employers and training opportunities available. Our careers activity includes online resources, communications campaigns, school visits, pop up factories, careers fairs and working closely with education providers and careers advisors to disseminate the most up to date information, advice and guidance to attract new talent.