Georgia Clarke, aged 25 and a Trainee Programmer at John Smedley, undertook a technician’s training course on the new Shima Seiki Mini Machine at the John Smedley site with support from UKFT’s Young Textile Technician Fund.

Georgia (pictured above) found the introduction of new training and equipment paramount for the progress of the industry.

“This training allows me to gain a better understanding of running the machines and to able to assist in adjusting our current products where needed and to help develop additional prototypes for future seasons.”

John Smedley is the oldest continuously operating manufacturer in the world, producing fine gauge knitwear from their Lea Mills, Derbyshire factory since 1784. Crafted from the finest noble fibres of Extra Fine Merino Wool, John Smedley’s Sea Island Cotton and other luxury blends.

In gaining a better understanding of programming for the mini machines this should help develop John Smedley’s accessory product group further and to also give support to production operatives in running the machines when any issues arise.

Pip Jenkins, Design Director, said: “Having UKFT offer this funding to support young technical in the industry has been hugely beneficial to be able to offer more regular training that isn’t just internal, to make sure we have a varied of skills with in the team and are continuing to learn new technology.”

John Smedley has one of the largest knitted garment archives in the world and has counted the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, The Beatles, Sean Connery, Kate Winslet, Robert DeNiro, Ed Skrein, Eva Longoria and more amongst their celebrity fans.

Georgia Clarke said: “I’ve enjoyed my week training with Shima Seiki and now feel confidante using the machines and developing new styles for the John Smedley collection and I’m glad the UKFT funding as aimed me to do this.”

The Young Textile Technician Fund will cover 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.

The Young Textile Technician Fund is now open to businesses applying to train textile technicians under the age of 35. To find out more, email katie.robinson@ukft.org

Want to learn more about the Young Textile Technician Fund? Click on the link below:

Young Textile Technician Fund