UKFT is the government-appointed Sector Skills Body for UK fashion and textiles, working to ensure the skills and productivity of people working in our industry of the highest level.

Last year UKFT led a review of the Manufacturing Textiles Products and Manufacturing Sewn Products National Occupations Standards (NOS) suites. The reviewed suits have now have been approved and published on the NOS portal.

John West, Director of Skills and Training at UKFT, said: “Thank you to everyone who contributed to the successful reviews, which will be the benchmark for all training provision in these areas for the next five years.”

UKFT put together national steering groups for the sector areas which reviewed, informed and updated the current competencies needed to carry out the manufacturing process for the industry. This will upskill the workforce and ensure the UK remains competitive against global competition in these vital areas.

The groups included representatives from leading employers and stakeholders in Scotland, Wales, England and Northern Ireland including O’Neills, Hunter Apparel Solutions, Mulberry, John Smedley, Melin Tregwynt, Lochcarron, British Footwear Association, John Lewis, Barrie Knitwear, First Corporate Clothing, Schuh, House of Bluebell, Alex Begg, Bute Fabrics, Johnstons of Elgin, Bow Leather and Muirhead.

To view the new Standards please visit https://www.ukstandards.org.uk/EN and search under the Business Sectors (Suite) tab.