A new qualification in fashion and textiles will be available to learners in Scotland from August 2025, marking the first time the BIIAB Award in Fashion and Textiles (Sewing and Textiles) at SCQF Level 4 (R895 04) has been offered north of the border. The expansion has been driven by industry collaboration and the active involvement of UKFT, whose role has been central to the qualification’s development and accessibility in Scotland.

The Award, which has already seen strong uptake across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, has been developed in direct response to industry demand for a practical, pre-employment qualification. With over 1,700 learners registered for the Award and more than 600 on the Certificate since 2019, the qualification supports a range of manufacturing sub-sectors including sewn products, leather work, footwear, textile manufacturing, soft furnishings, surface patterning and textile care services.

Until recently, the qualification was not available in Scotland due to SEG Awards’ limited operational scope in the country. However, with BIIAB Awards joining the Skills and Education Group in 2021, a new route opened for delivery across Scotland. From late 2023 into 2024, UKFT worked closely with Melanie Sergeant, Senior Product Development Officer at SEG Awards, to support the qualification’s technical adaptation for the Scottish system.

The resulting SCQF Level 4 version maintains the industry-developed structure and retains its flexible, mix-and-match approach, allowing learners to choose three units tailored to local employment needs and personal interests.

John West, UKFT’s Director of Skills and Training, explained: “Scotland’s fashion and textiles industry deserves access to the same high-quality, employer-designed qualifications available elsewhere in the UK. This qualification is a practical foundation for future employment and progression in a fast-evolving sector.”

The Award reflects current practice and provides a base of transferable technical skills. Each unit has been reviewed by experienced industry practitioners and approved by the relevant Sector Skills Councils and bodies. The qualification also aligns with the sub-sectors outlined in the Scottish Modern Apprenticeship frameworks for fashion and textiles.

Qualification expansion

Since 2014, the structure has been broadened to reflect growing interest from across the fashion and textiles sector:

• January 2023: Three new textiles manufacturing units were introduced, developed by UKFT in partnership with Martin Jenkins at the Textile Centre of Excellence.
• October 2023: Three Textile Care Services units, created by UKFT in collaboration with ACS Clothing, became available.
• April 2024: Three specialist units for the leather industry were added, following development by UKFT and the Leather Industry Steering Group (led by The Saddlers Company).

Extending access to Scotland

John West, who has been involved in the qualification’s evolution since his time at Creative Skillset, added: “This marks a pivotal moment for skills development in Scotland’s fashion and textiles sector. UKFT has been delighted to work with SEG Awards and many key partners from throughout the industry to ensure that this qualification is now truly UK-wide. It reflects the collective vision of industry partners working together to build a more sustainable and skilled workforce.”

Michael Cusack, chief sustainability officer at ACS Clothing, said: “This is a huge win for the sector in Scotland. The ability to deliver this at SCQF Level 4 with potential funding support really is a game changer, especially for pre-apprenticeship pathways. It gives us a proper stepping stone to engage and support young people into meaningful training and employment – and solves a real gap we’ve all been wrestling with.”

The BIIAB Award in Fashion and Textiles (Sewing and Textiles) at SCQF Level 4 will be available from 1 August 2025.

Centres interested in delivering the qualification can contact the Centre Recognition Team by email on centrerecognition@skillsedugroup.co.uk or contact SEG Awards/BIIAB on 0115 854 1620.

UKFT SKILLS AND TRAINING