UKFT celebrates the success stories of apprentices, employees and providers on the occasion of the National Apprenticeship Week 2023 across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

UKFT Education Partner Glasgow Clyde College is a leading Further Education provider in Scotland, as it offers over 500 full-time and part-time courses. It provides opportunities in the fashion and textile sector through Modern Apprenticeships covering various skills including sewn products, textile manufacturing and bespoke cutting and tailoring.

Modern Apprenticeships allow apprentices to learn on the job while earning a wage and gaining an industry-recognised qualification. They are also beneficial to employers as they help develop their workforce by training new staff and up-skilling existing employees. Many apprentices remain with their employer or pursue a career in the sector after completing their Modern Apprenticeship, which Skills Development Scotland confirmed:

“92% of Modern Apprentices stay in work once they’re qualified.”

Read on to discover the inspiring stories of Kayla Jones, Emma Hyslop, Rory Dempsey and Sam McCrorie – four Modern Apprentices at Alex Begg through Glasgow Clyde College.

From left to right: Rory, Emma, Sam and Kayla.

Kayla Jones – Sewing Machinist

Kayla moved on from Track and Trace to work at Alex Begg, where she attended a successful trial day and was offered a job. She started in the packing department which she left to work with industrial sewing machines. She now has been with the company for 18 months.

Emma Hyslop – Percher

Former Glasgow Clyde College student Emma gained a Higher National Diploma in Fashion Design and Manufacturing. She pursued her learning by attending an 8-week industry training course with the Prince’s Foundation at Dumfries House. She heard from Alex Begg’s Production Manager Lorna that jobs were available in the company.

After applying, Emma started working at Alex Begg in a fringing role. A year and a half later, she moved onto perching. For over 3 ½ years, Emma has developed her skillset within the business and her career in the fashion and textile industry.

Rory Dempsey – Wet Finish Operative

Former swimming pool supervisor Rory has been working at Alex Begg for over 2 years. He started training in Textiles, making concrete canvas for 9 months. He then moved onto knotting and now trains new employees on both job roles.

Sam McCrorie – Weaver

Sam, who used to work at a gym, applied for a role in the wet finish department at Alex Begg and got the job. He now has been with the business for almost two years, gaining skills in scour, milling, steam and pressing.

Discover more inspiring apprenticeship stories at: https://ukft.org/naw-2023/

Read More:

Why Become an Apprentice in the Fashion and Textile Sector