To tackle the acknowledged skills shortage and the ageing of the current textile workforce, we have been instrumental in setting up and funding a Young Technician Training scheme.

Matched funding is provided to train or upskill young textile technicians, either by sending them to the original machinery manufacturers or by having the machinery companies do the training in-house at the textile company.

The scheme is operated by the UK Fashion and Textile Association and is jointly funded by the Weavers’ Company, the Clothworkers’ Company and the Drapers’ Company.