Employers within the UK sewing industry have already developed new apprenticeships for Sewing Machinists, Patter Cutters, Garment Technologists, Product Technicians and Bespoke Tailors. The sector has now highlighted the need for a Material Cutter Apprenticeship that will provide training, recognition and support in cutting; laying and marking skills, and ensure skills across all stages of production are covered.

UKFT is gauging the wider industry’s appetite to be involved developing this kind of apprenticeship in England and would like to invite interested parties to join the Material Cutter Trailblazer Employer Group.

We are looking for a minimum of ten employers – regardless of size – who can commit to approximately four to six days over a 10-12 month time period. Activity will include approximately two or three physical meetings to agree the content followed by online review of draft documents. UKFT would also like to hear from those who are interested, but can only commit minimal time via online consultation.

UKFT will provide a secretariat that will support the group, co-ordinate the process, liaise with relevant bodies and develop the required documents.

Return of investment

In addition to securing the future UK fashion and textiles workforce, this development would:

• Maximise levy payments and/or government funding
• Offer relevant and specific training to staff
• Improve retention rates (The apprenticeship will last for at least 24 months)
• Reduce pay bill (Apprenticeship hourly rate is £3.70 to £7.38)
• Reduce recruitment costs (by using the apprenticeship service)

Interested? Please register your interest at skillsandtraining@ukft.org before Friday 7^th June.