Fashion student gains industry experience with support from UKFT x Drapers Bursary
07/04/2025
Harry Russell, a second year BA Fashion Design student at Northumbria University, has undertaken an internship with menswear clothing brand Tondolo, supported by the Drapers’ x UKFT Bursary programme.
UKFT and The Drapers’ Company are working together to support fashion and textile students across the UK to achieve good quality internships through the scheme.
Harry said:
‘‘I am extremely grateful to have received the UKFT x Drapers Bursary as it has taken a great weight off my shoulders, helping with essential necessities and travel costs. Balancing my internship with my weekend job has been quite a challenge and it supported my financial stability whilst in London.
During his internship, Harry significantly deepened his understanding of design and production through hands-on experience. His involvement in pre-production sample work boosted his confidence in his technical abilities.
‘‘This hands-on experience has significantly deepened my understanding of design and production. My involvement in pre-production sample work has helped me sharpen up my pattern cutting and sewing skills and has boosted my confidence in my technical ability.’’
Harry went on:
‘‘I am grateful to have worked with such close-knit teams, where communication was essential, not just within the studio, but also in liaising with factories and fabric suppliers. This has highlighted for me the critical role communication plays within the running of a fashion brand, specifically when realising a designer’s vision and is something I will take forward throughout my professional career.’’
‘‘I feel it is important for design students in all practices to undertake an internship as it allows you to gain knowledge and practice the theory that university teaches and connect with new people which furthers personal knowledge. It will also open the door to potentially go back to the companies you have interned with after you graduate.”
Financial support from the Drapers’ Company is available to ten students annually to take up internship opportunities they may otherwise struggle to afford. UKFT is providing mentoring, guidance, and networking opportunities to each student to ensure their internships are safe, enjoyable and valuable.
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.