The journey from education to employment in the UK fashion and textile industry can often feel like a winding road, with countless obstacles along the way. For many graduates, internships are the first steps on this journey – providing the experience, skills and connections needed to kick-start their careers. A new report from the Sutton Trust highlights how vital internships have become, with 51% of graduates completing at least one. Yet, the report also reveals troubling inequalities, from unpaid work to limited access for those from less affluent backgrounds.

At UKFT we believe internships should be opportunities for all – not just for those who can afford to work for free. That’s why we’re proud to offer paid internship schemes that remove barriers, foster inclusivity and unlock potential across the UK fashion and textile industry.

The current landscape: Challenges facing interns today

The Sutton Trust report paints a concerning picture, which is something we see mirrored in our sector:

• Unpaid work is widespread. The report suggests that around 1 in 5 internships remain entirely unpaid, while 35% of graduates have completed an unpaid or underpaid internship. This is despite existing laws requiring that interns performing more than shadowing must be paid at least the National Minimum Wage.
• Access is unequal. Graduates from working-class backgrounds are far less likely to secure internships than their middle-class peers, with the gap widening from 12 percentage points in 2018 to 2020. Informal networks and social capital often dictate who gets these opportunities.
• Financial support is critical. Many unpaid interns rely on family help, with 40% supported by the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’. This financial burden locks out young people who lack such resources.

These challenges exclude talented individuals and reduce diversity in industries that benefit from fresh perspectives and ideas.

Our approach: Opening doors with paid internships

To address these inequities, we have developed a number of internship schemes designed to create fair, transparent and accessible pathways into the UK fashion and textile industry.

1. The New Talent Bursary programme

This initiative, developed with the generous support from key livery companies including The Drapers’ Company, The Weavers’ Company and The Haberdashers’ Company, helps fashion and textile students access high-quality internships by providing:

• Financial support: A bursary of £600 per month for up to three months, enabling students to cover living costs while pursuing opportunities away from home.
• Mentoring and networking: Guidance and connections to help students thrive during their placements.
• Inclusive eligibility: The scheme is open to UK-based second-year or sandwich-year students studying design or technical courses, particularly those who would otherwise struggle to afford an internship.

Success Stories:

• A knitwear design student shared how the programme gave her invaluable insights: “I am so grateful for the opportunity. It’s teaching me skills I can transfer into my career, but mostly, I’m learning what it’s like to work in a creative industry.”
• A textile student reflected: “This experience opened my eyes to opportunities in industries like cruise, hospitality, and education that I hadn’t considered before. I’m now excited to explore new paths in my final year.”

2. MADE IT Programme

The MADE IT programme aims to enhance the awareness and understanding of production and sourcing for design graduates while highlighting the wealth of opportunities in the entire supply chain, developed with the generous support of The Clothworkers’ Company and CapitB Trust. The programme includes:

• Masterclasses on production and sourcing.
• Paid Internships with UK manufacturers, enabling students to gain practical experience without financial strain.

Student experiences:

• One intern described how the experience transformed her understanding of the industry: “This internship showed me how the fashion supply chain works, from mood boards to final production. It’s been transformative. Thanks to MADE IT, I was able to experience every step of garment creation. It’s rare to see the entire process, and it’s inspired me to explore roles I hadn’t previously considered.”
• Another added: “Throughout the experience, I got to develop my technical drawing, pattern cutting and interaction in making a garment and its production.This experience helped me to develop a deep knowledge of fashion production and manufacture, which you do not see in stores, but by learning from experience.”

Why paid internships matter

We believe in the transformative power of internships – but only when they are accessible and fair. By paying interns fairly, as an industry we can:

• Widen the talent pool. Paid internships open doors for individuals from all backgrounds, ensuring that industries benefit from diverse perspectives and creativity.
• Reduce inequality. By removing financial barriers, we help level the playing field for students who may not have the resources to work unpaid.
• Promote meaningful work. Fair pay ensures that interns are valued for their contributions, motivating them to excel and grow.

A fairer future

Internships should be about opportunity, not privilege. At UKFT, we’re proud to champion paid internships that help talented individuals launch their careers, regardless of their background.

By continuing to operate in programmes like the New Talent Bursary programme and MADE IT, we’re not just opening doors – we’re building a stronger, more inclusive industry for the future.

Discover what UKFT is doing to help to elevate the skills of the UK fashion and textile industry to maintain its competitive position globally.

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