In the fast-paced world of fashion and textiles, finding the right talent can be a real challenge. UKFT is inviting local employers, hiring managers and recruitment consultants with live vacancies in the sector to join forces with us at a series of job fairs and careers events across the UK from this autumn.

We’ll be promoting the wide range of career paths available in the fashion and textile sector, from pattern cutting to leather craftsmanship, buying through to textile design. Our schedule is as follows:

Job fairs

• Exeter, Sandy Park Stadium, 4 September 2024
• Huddersfield, John Smith Stadium, 6 September 2024
• Derby, Pride Park Stadium, 11 October 2024
• Edinburgh, Tyne Castle Park Stadium, 30 October 2024
• Bristol, Ashton Gate Stadium, 8 November 2024
• Leicester King Power Stadium, 29 November 2024

Careers events

• Saracens (the Stonex Stadium) in North London: 8 October 2024.
• Kia Oval in south London: 5 November 2024
• Salford City Stadium Manchester: 13 March 2025
• National career guidance show event, London, March/April 2025 (date tbc)

How to get involved

Getting involved is simple and free of charge. Here’s what you need to do:

• Submit your vacancies: Provide us with details of the positions you’re looking to fill. We’ll make sure they are prominently displayed at the UKFT Career Stand.
• Collaborate on promotion: Work with our team to develop engaging promotional content that effectively communicates your brand and job opportunities.
• Join us at the event: Be present at the job fairs to meet and interact with potential candidates. Our team will handle the logistics, so you can focus on recruitment.

Why we’re promoting the UK fashion and textile industry at job fairs and careers events

We believe that promoting the UK fashion and textile industry at job fairs and careers events is important for several reasons:

• Attracting talent: Job fairs and career events are prime opportunities to connect with potential candidates, particularly recent graduates and young professionals who are actively seeking employment. This helps in attracting fresh talent into the sector.
• Industry awareness: Participating in these events increases the visibility of the sector as a whole. It helps in showcasing the opportunities and career paths available within the our industry.
• Networking opportunities: These events provide a platform for networking with other companies, industry professionals and educational institutions. This can lead to partnerships, collaborationsand knowledge sharing that benefit the whole industry.
• Educating potential employees: Many candidates may not be fully aware of what the sector entails or the various career paths available within it. Job fairs and career events allow us to educate and inform attendees about the sector, its importance, and the potential for growth and development.
• Filling skill gaps: By engaging with a diverse pool of job seekers, we can identify individuals with the specific skills needed to fill gaps within the sector. This helps in addressing skill shortages and enhancing the overall capabilities of the workforce.
• Building a talent pipeline: Engaging with job seekers at these events helps in creating a pipeline of potential candidates for future hiring needs. Even if immediate positions are not available, maintaining contact with promising individuals can be beneficial for future recruitment.

Join us at the next job fair or career event

By working together, we can enhance your recruitment efforts and build a stronger, more vibrant UK fashion and textile industry.

To discuss how you can get involved in our upcoming job fairs and careers events, please contact celia.thornley@ukft.org

Find out more

Find out more about UKFT’s work to support the skills and training requirements of the UK fashion and textile industry here.