This International Women’s Day, we’d like to celebrate Celia Thornley, Head of Skills and Training at UKFT, for her work 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.

Celia Thornley has made significant contributions to the UK fashion and textiles industry, particularly in skills development and workforce engagement. With over 30 years of experience, she began her career as an industrial sewing machinist before transitioning into skills training in 1995. She has since played a pivotal role in shaping national skills strategies, holding key positions at Sector Skills Councils, CapitB, and The Alliance Project. 

At UKFT, Celia has spearheaded nationwide careers and jobs fairs to attract new talent into the sector, developed an online production sewing machinist course, and collaborated with the Prison Service to create alternative pathways into the industry. Since joining UKFT in 2017, she has become an invaluable asset, earning a promotion to Head of Skills and Training in 2023, where she continues to drive industry-wide workforce development initiatives. 

John West, Director of Skills & Training at UKFT, said:

“Celia’s contribution and commitment to maintaining the skills and training of those within the fashion and textile sector has been outstanding. I have worked with and alongside Celia for around 20 years and her passion for her job roles has never waned. A true professional in her field and we are very proud to have Celia here with us all at UKFT. 

“Always loyal, dependable, and just great to be around, Celia is not just my work colleague but one of my best friends.” 

Thank you Celia!

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UKFT’s focus on Skills and Training

As the Government appointed Sector Skills Body (SSB) for fashion and textiles, UKFT works to address critical skills gaps and develop industry-led solutions. We help to elevate the skills of the UK fashion and textile industry to maintain its competitive position globally. 

We bring together education and industry to respond to current and future workforce requirements. We develop new vocational and academic routes that meet the needs of business and promote careers and opportunities to the next generation. 

We help fashion and textile businesses to attract, train and retain the best. 

UKFT SKILLS & TRAINING