Liall Gorman, aged 21 and Rachel Alexander aged 22, apprentices at Alex Begg, have completed Picanol Optimax-I loom training with support from the UKFT’s Young Textile Technician Fund.

The two young technicians successfully completed the training programme at Picanol’s facility in Ypres, Belgium. The programme provided them with a comprehensive understanding of the loom’s functions and settings, especially when working with fine yarns.

The training was essential for enhancing productivity, ensuring efficient operation of the equipment and contributing to the overall improvement and skill development of the team at Alex Begg.

Alex Begg  is a luxury textile manufacturer specialising in handcrafted scarves, homeware and accessories made from cashmere, silk and wool-blend yarns. Operating from their factory on the West Coast of Scotland since 1866, they are the house label of Begg x Co and produce for some of the world’s most prestigious fashion houses.

Rachel Alexander, a trainee apprentice, said she feels much more confident after completing the training, which included both practical and theoretical components. She looks forward to sharing her knowledge with the rest of the team.

“For a week in October, I travelled to Belgium and took part in a Picanol training course. It was extremely insightful and helped to expand my knowledge within tuning in both theory and practical. Learning width changes and machine settings, as well as rapier knowledge. This allows me to pass on the knowledge and skills I have learnt to fellow co-workers to help with smooth production and running of machines within the factory. I feel much more confident and skilled having been on the course.”

Liall Gorman went on:

“I had the invaluable opportunity to travel to Belgium for a week-long training course at Picanol’s headquarters in Ypres. The experience was both highly educational and personally rewarding, offering new insights that built on my prior knowledge and broadened my understanding of the industry.

During the course, I gained a deeper understanding of the specific machines I work with and learned about the operational nuances of other Picanol weaving machines. Additionally, I had the chance to forge valuable connections within the textile industry, which I believe will serve me well in the future. I returned with extensive new knowledge about Rapiers, Race Boards, and Shedding, which I am eager to apply in my work.’’

Ian Rogers, Warping and Technical Lead, said:

‘‘I know from experience how daunting a training course especially on foreign shores can be. Liall and Rachel accepted the challenge with open arms without question and went for it. The training is fundamental to their continued development in their roles within the Alex Begg weaving technical team. It gives them a unique insight into the finer details of the specialist skills they need to further advance both theirs and the teams knowledge in a new generation of weaving machines.

They also had a full factory tour which covers all aspects of how the machines are developed and the history of the company. From the R and D section through to final machine inspection they will have memories to last them a lifetime. We are already seeing the benefits of their training with them being tasked with “Lead technicians” on our Picanol machines. My only complaint is they didn’t bring me a Picanol “T” shirt back !!’’

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

Want to learn more about the Young Textile Technician Fund? Click on the link below:

Young Textile Technician Fund