The UK Fashion & Textile Association (UKFT) has become the sector skills body for the country’s fashion and textiles industry, taking over from Creative Skillset with immediate effect.
At a reception at the Houses of Parliament yesterday (14 November), the UKFT took over the management of current apprenticeship frameworks with the responsibility of both registration and certification of apprentices in England, Scotland and Wales. It will work with devolved nation’s stakeholders, to ensure National Occupational Standards and apprenticeship provision for the sector are maintained and developed.
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The announcement came as UKFT, Damian Collins MP and Graduate Fashion Week hosted key policy makers, industry influencers, major retailers, leading brands and UK manufacturers at the House of Commons to celebrate the fashion and textile industry.
“With industry skills and training being a huge part of UKFT’s commitment to the sector, this is very welcome news,” said Adam Mansell CEO of UKFT. “We are proud to take over from Creative Skillset, which has supported the industry since 2010 and we thank them for the achievements made during that time. It is extremely important to ensure the management and certification of apprenticeships and other vocational qualifications is closely aligned to the needs of the industry.”
Mark Froud, managing director of the Federation for Industry Sector Skills & Standards (FISSS), added: “We look forward to working with UKFT; being close to the employers is critical and they have their trust and respect. UKFT has a strong approach to ensuring that apprenticeships and training are kept up to date in what is an increasingly fast paced world.”
Nigel Lugg, chairman of the UKFT, recently spoke at the ASBCI conference on ‘Beyond Brexit – Helping the fashion industry turn uncertainty into opportunity’. He told delegates of the significant challenges in the wake of the Brexit Leave vote, from the availability of skilled labour if free movement comes to an end to the implications of leaving the single market and the customs union.
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By GlobalDataUK textile sector needs government support and confidence to thrive
