Occupational traineeships for manufacturing sewn products job roles are set to be offered from September 2022.

Traditional traineeships, introduced back in 2013, are aimed at 16–24-year-olds (plus 25-year-olds with an educational health and care (EHC) plan) and aim to provide:

• Work preparation training
• Support to improve English, mathematics, and digital skills
• Flexible vocational learning
• A high-quality work experience placement.

However, what makes occupational traineeships exciting and different from other traineeships is their unique ability to make candidates ‘job ready’. They are therefore attractive for those keen to be fast-tracked, focused on a specific occupation, and work ready within six months – qualities which will benefit the UK’s fashion and textiles industry.

While the industry has flourished in the past five years and further growth is predicted, it is threatened by an unprecedented skills crisis, potentially putting the future of fashion and textiles manufacturing in jeopardy.

The UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT), recognising the overwhelming need to address this skills gap, has worked hard to bring together industry and employers to develop this succinct yet comprehensive traineeship. Of course, it will entice candidates with the four key elements of a general traineeship, but what will give this occupational traineeship the edge over traditional traineeships?

It stands out for its ability to support direct progression into a particular apprenticeship or job. Boasting specialist training delivered by vocationally experienced teaching staff via specialist facilities, trainees will also enjoy at least 70 hours’ work experience with an employer. The hope is that not only will this support entry into the industry, but trainees will also gain the skills and attributes needed to sustain their employment.

The traineeship is enhanced further with the inclusion of our nationally recognised regulated qualification, the Level 1 Award in Fashion and Textiles (Sewing and Textiles), which is fully funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).

The occupational traineeship offers a great chance to get a flavour of working in a production sewing role, with a clear progression route into a promising career. It also helps to meet the rising demand for skilled workers from employers in our sector.

Celia Thornley, Skills and Training Manager at UKFT

Given the knowledge and on-the-job experience provided, this occupational traineeship will not only help the industry build back from the pandemic but also provide a much-needed talent pipeline for now and the future.

Here at Skills and Education Group Awards we are thrilled to support not only the occupational traineeship but the overall journey for candidates into apprenticeships and employment. Indeed, we provide a range of essential end-point assessments to ensure apprentices are ready to work in roles in the textiles and manufacturing industry.

For further information about traineeships, qualifications or end-point assessments, please contact our Relationship Managers.

Elaine Barker is our Relationship Manager for the West Midlands and Yorkshire and Humber regions. You can book a meeting with Elaine here.

For further information about the specific course and associated funding offered by UKFT, please contact the UKFT skills and training team.