Macclesfield-based The Tailoring Academy has partnered with the West Yorkshire-based Textile Centre of Excellence to deliver the Level 5 Bespoke Cutter and Tailor apprenticeship. This collaboration, which has received approval from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE), is a significant boost for tailoring education across England.

The new apprenticeship programme will feature digital technology to enable learners from locations across the country to access traditional bespoke tailoring skills. This innovative approach aims to provide a comprehensive and immersive learning experience, ensuring that apprentices gain practical skills and knowledge necessary for the tailoring industry.

This development follows a thorough review undertaken by UKFT last year in collaboration with a group of employers. As a result of this review, UKFT successfully secured an increase in funding for the apprenticeship training, raising it from £15,000 to £17,000. This increase in funding is expected to enhance the quality and accessibility of the training provided.

John West, Director of Skills and Training at UKFT, said: “This is a real breakthrough for the tailoring industry and the next generation of tailors coming through, based all around England. The approval secures the training for the next three to five years, and this is the only centre in England with such a blended delivery model.”

The development and approval of this programme were supported by Kirsty Woollaston, the product manager at the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE), whose efforts were instrumental in the success of this initiative. This partnership between The Tailoring Academy and the Textile Centre of Excellence is expected to set a new standard in tailoring education, providing aspiring tailors with the skills and opportunities they need to excel in the industry.

Kirsty Woollaston from IfATE said: “The revision was led by key employers based across all regions who gave their technical expertise and industry knowledge to develop an innovative and future proofed product which will provide an opportunity for diverse and new talent to enter the sector.”

Delivery to the first cohort of Apprentices will start in mid-September and anyone seeking to take advantage of this training is advised to contact either The Tailoring Academy or the Textile Centre of Excellence direct as availability is limited on a first come first served basis.

VISIT THE TAILORING ACADEMY WEBSITE

VISIT THE TEXTILE CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE WEBSITE

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