As the government-appointed Sector Skills Body for UK fashion and textiles, UKFT led the review of National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Textile Care Services (formerly known as Laundry, Wet & Dry Cleaning). Such consultations help to ensure that the skills and productivity of people working in our industry are of the highest level. It is essential to update NOS regularly, as they inform the performance standards that individuals must achieve in specific job roles.

The existing Textile Care Services NOS had not been reviewed since February 2015, although the Laundry sector updated the Level 2 Textile Care Apprenticeship Standard (renamed to Commercial Laundry Operative) for England in October 2022. Updating the NOS was therefore a necessity for it to reflect the industry accurately and for the UK to remain competitive in this area.

The review led by UKFT took place in 2022-23, taking into consideration changes in the sector in England, to ensure a complete standardised approach to training across the UK. We worked with the 3 relevant sub-sectors – laundry, wet and dry cleaning – to update the knowledge, skills and understanding statements in each unit, which set out what vital workplace processes need to be carried out.

We are pleased to announce that the new Textile Care Services NOS Suite was approved by all four nations regulators on 21^st March 2023. The new standards can now be viewed via the link below:

New Textile Care Services National Occupational Standards

Click on the link below to find out more about what we do to support the industry:

Skills and Training