Could you offer a work placement to support the next generation of textile professionals specialising in innovation and sustainable practice? We are looking for companies to offer placements for Level 2 students on the Textile Innovation and Sustainability BSc at the University of Leeds, who have the option to complete one or two industry placements, totalling up to nine months of professional experience.

The UK textile and fashion sector is undergoing significant transformation, with sustainability, innovation and technical capability now central to future competitiveness. In response, the University of Leeds has launched the Textile Innovation and Sustainability BSc, developed in collaboration with industry to equip students with the skills needed to deliver sustainable solutions across textile materials, processes and products. The programme addresses a recognised skills gap in textile technology and sustainability, preparing graduates to meet both the practical and strategic needs of modern textile businesses.

Industry placements form an integral part of the course, ensuring students gain meaningful professional experience while enabling employers to engage with emerging talent. Hosting a placement student provides organisations with fresh perspectives, current knowledge of sustainable textile innovation, and an opportunity to support long-term workforce development.

The University of Leeds strongly encourages paid placements. Opportunities are typically expected to begin on 1 October 2026, although earlier start and finish dates can be accommodated where appropriate. Eleven students from this year’s cohort are currently seeking placement opportunities.

Why offer a placement

Placements can:

• Provide students with real-world experience of current practices, technologies and commercial challenges.
• Offer access to motivated individuals with up-to-date knowledge of sustainable textile innovation.
• Strengthen employer visibility among early-career talent and support future recruitment and succession planning.

Alongside placements, UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT) manages a programme of industry-funded scholarships that help reduce financial barriers and attract diverse, high-potential students to the course. These scholarships enable students to focus on developing skills and gaining industry experience throughout their studies.

How you can get involved

We invite companies to:

• Offer placement opportunities through year-in-industry roles, project placements or structured internships.
• Sponsor student scholarships that support participation across the degree.
• Partner on industry briefs and live projects that connect academic learning with real business challenges.

Industry engagement helps develop a skilled workforce with the practical experience needed to support innovation and sustainability across the UK textile sector.

Find out more about the course and placements on the links below:

Work Placements: Industry Relevant Skills Summary

Work placements: Year Industry Summary

For further information on offering a placement or discussing sponsorship opportunities, please contact info@ukft.org or the course team at the University of Leeds – Dr Natalia Sergeeva N.Sergeeva@leeds.ac.uk