A new fashion studio assistant apprenticeship has been launched in the UK as part of a bid to offer better career paths throughout the industry, not just in design talent.

Approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education, the Fashion Studio Assistant apprenticeship will provide an important employment route into the UK’s fashion sector, which contributes GBP32bn (US$41.4bn) to the UK economy.

The new apprenticeship, which is the 400th approved for use, aims to deliver specific skills that will ultimately contribute to all levels of a fashion business, developing leaders and teams to work alongside home-grown design talent.

It was developed by with support from the Institute by groups of employers known as Trailblazers, including Jasper Conran and young designer Roksanda, with the British Fashion Council providing the secretariat.

“We are delighted to be launching the apprenticeship for fashion studio assistant, the 400th new government apprenticeship,” says Caroline Rush, chief executive of the British Fashion Council. “Inspiring more young people to work in the creative industries without necessarily having to take the university route will help to ensure that the fashion industry continues to attract the best talent.”

UKFT, the British network for fashion and textile companies, that brings together 2,500 designers, manufacturers, agents, and retailers to promote their businesses and the wider industry, is the external quality assurance provider for the new apprenticeship.

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