Regularly updating apprenticeship standards is essential in ensuring that their content, assessment and delivery still reflect the needs of the industry. Pennine Weavers, Heathcoat, WT Johnson & Sons and the Textile Centre of Excellence (TCoE) share their views on the importance of reviewing the Level 2 Textile Manufacturing Operative Apprenticeship Standards. Scroll down to find out more.

As the Government-appointed Sector Skills Body for fashion and textile, UKFT is responsible for apprenticeships in our industry. UKFT has played a pivotal role in the review of several fashion and textile apprenticeships, including the Level 2 Textile Manufacturing Operative Apprenticeship Standards. This recent review has helped ensure that apprentices receive the right training and gain the skills required for their immediate role and future career as Textile Manufacturing Operatives.

UKFT, in its role as Secretariat, collaborated with the Textile Centre of Excellence (TCOE) who brought together a new employer Trailblazer group in charge of reviewing this apprenticeship. Leading textile companies such as Pennine Weavers, Heathcoat and WT Johnson & Sons were part of the group.

Gary Eastwood – Pennine Weavers’ Managing Director, Jayne Marsh-Jones – HR Manager at Heathcoat, Martin Jenkins – Director of Training at the Textile Centre of Excellence and Jenny Webster – HR Manager at WT Johnson & Sons, shared their views on the importance of the recent apprentice review.

Tell us about your decision to get involved in this review

Jayne Marsh-Jones (Heathcoat) said: “It was a good opportunity for Heathcoat, South West of England to discuss skills shortages and skills requirements and to have an apprenticeship for new talent and for upskilling current employees and to provide an understanding of our Technical Textiles business requirements.”

Gary Eastwood (Pennine Weavers) explained: “The textile industry offers so many exciting and challenging opportunities for all ages, but especially at the Apprentice level where the willingness to learn new skills is at its highest. As a company owner who passionately believes in the long-term future of our industry we must ensure that we are creating a workforce that is capable of meeting all the challenges the future brings.” 

Jenny Webster (WT Johnson) said: “We joined the recent review of sector-specific training in the textile finishing industry to address crucial skill shortages. By identifying and addressing these gaps, we aim to ensure that the training programs meet the industry’s current needs.”

Martin Jenkins (TCOE) commented: “Our role in the sector is to ensure that our textile sector remains current, with up-to-date skills and training courses that are accessible across the UK. To support the sector, it was vital that the Centre engaged with UKFT and the wider producers/manufacturers to support these reviews.”

Jack Harrison, Apprentice at Pennine Weavers.

What are the skills shortages? 

Martin Jenkins (TCOE) said: “In our sector, the largest areas of demand are currently around textile technicians and engineers. The new programme provides opportunities for individuals to start their career journey in textile production, with likely routes into technical and engineering roles in the future.”

Gary Eastwood (Pennine Weavers) said: “Luckily at Pennine Weavers we don’t really face any skills shortages. We have a very strong track record in training and development of our highly skilled workforce predominantly through internal promotion. The industry does still face an image issue and by continuing to address this through training and development plans will help enormously in future recruitment.”

Heathcoat Fabrics Limited.

What are you looking to address?

Heathcoat is looking to address “Recruitment demands, succession planning with those interested in textiles,” said Jayne Marsh-Jones; While Pennine Weavers focuses on ‘continuing to encourage potential future employees into the industry,’ according to Gary Eastwood.

Martin Jenkins (TCoE) added: “By creating these new standards, the Centre has supported UKFT, its membership and the wider textile audience to address define gaps in learning, some brought about through changes in technique, machinery, artificial intelligence, robotics, digitisation and other new, innovative manufacturing techniques that now form a critical part of the new learning curriculum. Making sure the sector maintains pace with the competition and that technical skills are embedded in learning programmes, is our fundamental aim.”

Heathcoat Fabrics Limited.

What difference will it make to the industry and your business?

Gary Eastwood (Pennine Weavers): “It’s all about working towards creating a workforce that will be the next generations of spinners, weavers and dyers in the industry, as well as the next generation of managers and business owners.” 

Jenny Webster (WT Johnson) said: “This initiative is not just about addressing shortages but creating a transformative impact. Our goal is to make a difference by cultivating a workforce equipped with the precise skills required, ultimately enhancing the industry’s efficiency and fostering the growth of our businesses.”

“More qualified, engaged employees who understand our commitment to their learning and development,” said Jayne Marsh-Jones (Heathcoat).

Martin Jenkins (TCoE) commented: “As the sector’s largest deliverer of apprenticeships, developments in curriculum are a vital piece of our ongoing success as a business. Serving the needs of textile and fashion businesses in the UK helps to retain our footprint in UK textile production and provides us with a sense of pride, when we see the impact these programmes have on our learners as they progress in their careers.”  

Click on the link below to find out more about apprenticeships in the UK fashion and textile industry:  

NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP WEEK 2024