The UK's fashion and textiles skills and apprenticeship system is no longer meeting the needs of many businesses. From access to funded training provision and recruitment challenges to skills shortages in both new and traditional skills, employers continue to face barriers in developing the workforce they need.
While employers have worked collaboratively with UKFT to develop apprenticeships, National Occupational Standards (NOS) and other post-16 vocational qualifications that reflect industry needs, and there are passionate and dedicated training providers delivering these programmes, significant barriers remain. Many businesses continue to face challenges accessing relevant training, whether due to limited provision, funding constraints, employer awareness, or a system that does not consistently support the needs of modern textile and sewn product manufacturing.
UKFT is carrying out new research to understand what is working, what is not, and where change is needed across the current skills and training landscape. We are inviting UK textile manufacturers and sewn product manufacturers to share their experiences and help shape a system that better supports industry now and in the future.
The findings will inform UKFT's skills strategy and provide evidence to support the modernisation of education, training and apprenticeships across the sector.
The survey explores areas including:
- Recruitment and workforce skills challenges
- Current training and apprenticeship provision
- Skills gaps affecting productivity and growth
- Opportunities to improve the skills pipelines for manufacturing businesses
UK manufacturing employers: Whether your organisation currently recruits apprentices, invests in staff training or has experienced challenges with existing system, your feedback will help build a clear picture of the issues facing the industry and identify practical solutions.
The timing of this research is particularly important as the Government introduces significant reforms to technical education, including new pathways for young people from age 14, greater emphasis on employer engagement and work experience, and wider changes to vocational and apprenticeship provision. These reforms present an important opportunity to ensure that the needs of textile and sewn product manufacturers are reflected in the future skill system. UKFT's research will provide evidence to help inform those discussions and ensure the sector's voice is heard.
The survey takes approximately 20-30 minutes to complete.
All responses will be treated in strict confidence. Survey findings will be analysed in aggregate and no personally identifiable data will be published or shared with third parties. All data will be managed securely in accordance with applicable data protection legislation.
By taking part you will help to ensure that the future skills and training system reflects the realities of textile and sewn product manufacturing and supports the long-term growth and competitiveness of the UK industry.
