Eilidh Cassidy a student specialising in design for textiles at Heriot Watt University, has undertaken internships at a micro mill in Glasgow and in weaving workshops at the V&A Museum in Dundee, supported by the Drapers’ x UKFT Bursary programme.

Through the Drapers’ x UKFT Bursary programme, ten students annually receive financial support, guidance and mentoring to access internship opportunities they might otherwise struggle to afford.

Vevar is a micro-mill specialising in handwoven products in Glasgow’s East End, which is run by Christopher McEvoy and Chantal Allan, who both share a passion for the history of Scottish textiles and architecture.

“During this time, I helped to make t-shirt yarn and weave samples on both their floor looms and table looms,” said Eilidh. I also helped with the organisation of the studio as well as winding the yarns onto the cones and creating warps. This was a great experience as it helped me to see what it was like to run a successful business and gain more confidence in the field of design itself. I loved that they encouraged me to use unconventional materials which I hope to use in my honours project at university.”

At the V&A Museum, Dundee, Eilildh was working with a charity called Radical Weavers on workshops and taster sessions around the tartan exhibition.

Radical Weavers supports people who are at high risk of social isolation and trauma by building a community around weaving. During her internship, Eilidh worked on looms to help educate V&A visitors on the process of weaving.

She said: “This was a terrific opportunity as I was able to help educate the public on the process of weaving. I loved how this helped me to gain more confidence when speaking to the public as I know that this will be a useful skill to have when it comes to presenting my work in situations such as job interviews.”

“This experience has helped me to gain insight into a career option which would be to create a business myself but more local to me as I think it would help to build more of a creative community where I live.”

The Drapers’ x UKFT Bursary programme was particularly useful for this internship as it allowed Eilidh to pay for travel and accommodation in Dundee, which was expensive over the summer.

Through initiatives like this, students like Eilidh are equipped with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the competitive landscape of the textile industry.

Drapers’ x UKFT Bursary Programme

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 our work around skills and training here, and UK manufacturing here.