Supporting new talent into employment remains one of the most important challenges facing the UK woven textile sector. The Entry to Work Scheme, funded by the The Weavers’ Company, offers a practical route for recent graduates to transition from education into industry while helping employers invest in future skills.

As the oldest recorded City Livery Company, The Weavers’ Company has its origins in the medieval weaving trade. Today, its focus is firmly forward-looking, using charitable funding to strengthen the future of the UK woven textile industry.

Alongside scholarships, student prizes and grants for equipment and materials in textile education, the Company funds graduate work placements through its Entry to Work Scheme. The aim is simple: to encourage talented graduates to build sustainable careers within UK textiles.

Since launching in 2007, and with match funding support from the Clothworkers’ Company since 2011, the scheme has supported more than 150 graduates. Many participants have progressed into long-term professional roles across design, manufacturing, technical development and business operations.

How the scheme works

The Entry to Work Scheme connects recent graduates with employment opportunities across the textile industry while reducing the financial risk for employers during the early stages of recruitment.

Employers offering a placement can receive a contribution of up to £7,000 towards salary costs for the first six months of employment. Funding is paid directly to the employing company at the start of the placement, with graduates employed through the company’s normal PAYE system.

The expectation is that, during this six-month period, graduates gain meaningful industry experience while demonstrating their value within the organisation, ideally leading to a permanent role.

Up to 12 placements are supported each year.

Matching graduates with industry opportunities

The Weavers’ Company maintains close relationships with universities and prize-winning graduates across supported programmes. By mid-July each year, a shortlist of candidates is typically available.

Companies interested in offering placements can outline their requirements, after which suitable graduate CVs are shared to begin the interview process.

Employers who have already identified a suitable candidate may also apply for support through the scheme, provided the graduate has completed their studies within the past two years. Importantly, approval must be confirmed before any appointment is made.

Supporting a broad range of textile roles

While rooted in weaving, the scheme recognises the breadth of skills required across today’s textile industry. Graduates from a wide range of disciplines are eligible, including technical, production, operational and commercial pathways as well as design.

Where capacity allows, companies may be supported with up to two placements in a year, with encouragement given to include at least one non-design or technical role.

Beyond the placement

At the end of the six-month period, graduates are invited to reflect on their experience through a short report. Participants are also welcomed to a London networking lunch the following February, bringing together employers, industry representatives and fellow graduates to share insights and strengthen professional connections.

Strengthening the future workforce

For employers, the Entry to Work Scheme offers a structured way to introduce new talent while managing recruitment costs. For graduates, it provides a supported entry point into an industry where early professional experience is often difficult to secure.

By connecting education with employment, the scheme continues to play an important role in sustaining skills, knowledge and innovation across the UK woven textile sector.

Companies interested in offering a placement are encouraged to contact The Weavers’ Company with graduate details or vacancy information before recruitment decisions are finalised. Contact clerk@weavers.org.uk to register your details.