Across the UK, remarkable women are transforming the fashion and textiles skills landscape, breaking barriers and creating new opportunities for future generations. From pioneering vocational training programmes to championing sustainability and forging industry-changing partnerships, these leaders are redefining how skills are taught and applied in the sector. Their work is not only equipping individuals with vital expertise but also strengthening the UK’s manufacturing industry, fostering innovation and ensuring a more sustainable and inclusive future for fashion and textiles here in the UK.

This International Women’s Day, we’d like to shine a spotlight on:

• Paula Gamester – As founder of the ‘Licence to Sew’ programme in Lancashire, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, for her work training local people (17+) to become skilled machinists and secure employment in local manufacturing.
• Faith Johnson – Through Caramel Rock, she uses fashion to engage young people in East London with education, creativity, and career opportunities.
• Brita Hirsch – For her work leading a new partnership between The Tailoring Academy and the Textile Centre of Excellence, enhancing tailoring education across England.
• Jenny Holloway – As the founder Fashion Technology Academy, she has revolutionised vocational training in fashion and textiles by working in partnership with UKFT and SEG Awards to develop industry-relevant Level 1 and 2 certifications in stitching, pattern making, machine maintenance and more.
• Dawn Foxall – Founder of the Textiles Skills Centre, advocating for improvements in textile education at school and beyond.
• Virginia Grose – At the University of Westminster, she has developed a pioneering Fashion Manufacturing MA, focusing on apparel production, sourcing, and sustainability.
• Jacqueline Farrell – For her work championing The King’s Foundation’s Modern Artisan Project with Yoox Net-a-Porter, training students from the UK and Italy in sustainable fashion design and manufacturing.
• Celia Thornley, Head of Skills and Training at UKFT – For spearheading nationwide careers and jobs fairs to attract new talent, developing an online production sewing machinist course, and collaborating with the prison service to create alternative pathways into the industry.

On behalf of UKFT and the UK fashion and textile industry, thank you!