UKFT concluded its autumn 2023 programme of careers fairs with a successful showcase for UKFT Futures at Skills London, the nation’s largest careers event for people aged 14 to 24. Held at the Excel Centre on 24-25 November, the event attracted approximately 35,000 visitors looking to find out more about a wide range of industries, jobs and training.

UKFT was there to promote careers in the UK fashion and textile industry, championing the wide variety of career opportunities and progression pathways. There was a live job board which featured numerous vacancies from local employers and hands-on activities to offer young people a taste of techniques, skills and equipment used in the fashion and textile industry.

At Skills London, UKFT worked with Westminster Kingsway College, a new training provider offering fashion and textile apprenticeships Levels 2-3 from next year, and WEPT (Women Empowerment Project & Training), a training provider which will deliver traineeship that will progress into the apprenticeship. Representatives from both training providers guided interested young people through a series of tasks with the aim of inspiring them to join the sector.

UKFT’s presence at Skills London followed a series of events in Glasgow, Leeds, Cardiff, Leicester, Preston, Belfast, Manchester and London, which were attended by job seekers of any age. In autumn 2023, UKFT promoted opportunities in the sector to both young people about to embark on their careers and people actively looking for roles right now to encourage new entrants into the sector and address the growing skills gap.

This activity builds on UKFT Futures, UKFT’s new website to promote careers and opportunities into the sector. At the various careers events, more than 1,000 people have signed up to receive further information about jobs, training and opportunities.

Celia Thornley, UKFT’s Skills and Training Manager, said: “Delivering the latest series of UKFT careers events throughout the country has been inspirational and encouraging. Targeting both young people and those actively looking for work has really increased awareness about the jobs, training opportunities, apprenticeships and qualifications in our sector. With over 1,000 sign-ups to UKFT Futures, many are seriously contemplating the UK fashion and textile industry as a future career option. I believe this marks a significant step towards revitalising the industry’s image and enhancing the skills pipeline.”

VISIT THE UKFT FUTURES WEBSITE TO FIND OUT MORE