Knit technician training at Knitster supported by UKFT’s Young Textile Technician Fund
14/01/2025
Three knit technicians at Knitster received Shima Seiki machine manual handling training and completed Shima Seiki basic programming training course, supported by UKFT’s Young Technician Textile Fund.
Knitster LDN is a London based factory and atelier specialising in the production of luxury knitwear with an emphasis on quality and innovation. Every stage of the knit development process is managed in-house to guarantee consistency and quality. The company draws on its expertise, artistry and craftsmanship to transform clients’ initial concepts into swatches, prototypes and finished production runs.
The company’s managing director said: ‘‘We pride ourselves on being part of the British supply chain and firmly believe the provenance of the pieces we create to be our responsibility. From fibre through to finished product we endeavour to consistently make choices that positivity impact our people and our planet.’’
The company specialises in mid to heavy gauge, fully fashioned garments, knitted from locally sourced noble fibres and hand finished with care and precision.
Trainees participated in Shima Seiki machine manual handling training on-site at Knitster Studio in London and completed the Shima Seiki basic programming training course at Shima Seiki Europe in Castle Donnington, Derbyshire.
The training has provided technicians with the tools and knowledge needed to establish a clear pathway for career progression in their chosen area of textiles, particularly knitwear.
Emma McClelland, director at Knitster, said that the training has been pivotal in both enhancing staff knowledge and supporting business expansion:
‘‘The training is essential to provide the understanding and knowledge we can use to work in a more efficient way and provide the growth to be able to expand our business whilst keeping our emphasis on quality and innovation. We have already since the training been able to add an additional machine to our business!’’
Emma went on:
‘‘It was an incredible experience for our business and our team to have Shima come from their head office to London to train us. We have come on leaps and bounds since the training. Rob gave us the knowledge we needed to take Knitster to the next level.’’
Emma Bryans, a trainee apprentice said that she feels more confident and has significantly strengthen her skillset.
‘‘I have been able to really get to grips with the understanding and knowledge Shima have provided us through training. It has been great to get the information from Shima themselves, as they have such vast knowledge. From there I have been able to gain confidence in my job and progress my skills set a lot.’’
Alice Hague, continued:
‘‘The training received during Shima visit to our office has been so valuable in enabling me to elevate my knowledge. I am able to assist the knit technicians on the machines in peak times. I feel I am getting a more rounded experience from this. It is a good step in my personal development.’’
Adam Sullivan, Production manager at Knitster said:
‘‘The hands-on training offered by Shima at our offices really helped the trainees and myself get a better grasp of how the mechanics behind the machine. This knowledge helps with understanding when something goes awry. The training at Shima on programming is amazing and has allowed me to develop further along in my continuous learning journey. All these things will result in a greater service delivery to customers.’’
The Young Textile Technician Fund will cover 50% of the costs of in-depth training for young textile technicians, thanks to the generous support of The Worshipful Company of Weavers, The Worshipful Company of Clothworkers and The Worshipful Company of Drapers.
The Young Textile Technician Fund is now open to businesses applying to train textile technicians under the age of 35. To find out more, email katie.robinson@ukft.org