The Alliance Project Textiles Careers & Skills Report · The Alliance Project: Career & Skills Report 2 CELIA THORNLEY ALLIANCE PROJECT HEAD OF SKILLS Content 1. Executive Summary

TheAllianceProjectTextilesCareers&SkillsReportSeptember2017

TheAllianceProject:Career&SkillsReport

2CELIATHORNLEYALLIANCEPROJECTHEADOFSKILLS

Content1. ExecutiveSummary

1.1Introduction1.2Keyfindings1.3Recommendations

2. Introduction

3. SkillsInitiativesandActivities

3.1 OnetooneEmployerSupport3.2 NationalSkillsandCareerOrganisations3.3 Career&SkillsEvents3.4 WorkingwithSchools3.5 TextilesTeashopRecruitmentCampaign3.6 EmployerSkillsGroup3.7 TrainingProvision3.8 Sewing&TextilesAcademies3.9 IndustryMasterclasses3.10 TheTextilesSkillsPortal3.11 Workingwithretailers3.12 ApprenticeshipDevelopment3.13 ContinuousSkillsResearch

4. KeyFindings

4.1 Skillsgapsandshortages4.2 Recruitmentandretention4.3 IndustryImage4.4 SkillsProvision4.5 Investmentinskills5. Recommendations

5.1 Skillsgapsandshortages5.2 Recruitmentandretention5.3 IndustryImage5.4 SkillsProvision5.5 Investmentinskills



1. ExecutiveSummary

1.1 IntroductionThisreporthighlightstheactivitiesandachievementsofTheAllianceProject(TAP)inrelationtotheskillsrequiredtoenablethegrowthoftheUKFashionandTextilessector,andsummarisestherequirementstosecuretheindustry’slong-termgrowthpotential.ThereportandrecommendationsarebasedonseveralstrandsofskillsworkundertakenbyTAPinpartnershipwiththefashionandtextilesindustry,educationandstakeholders.ThereportcomplimentsandisinadditiontotheinitialAlliancereport‘RepatriationofUKTextilesManufacture’andthefinalAlliancereport‘RealisingthegrowthpotentialofUKFashionandTextileManufacturing’May2017.Thesereportsoutlineseveralbarrierstogrowthrelatedtoskills,highlightingskillsgapsandshortagesandtheimageoftheindustry.BasedontheresearchoftheinitialreportTAPworkedcloselywiththeindustry,trainingproviders,educationalistsandstakeholderstodevelopnewinitiativesandpartnershipstohelpaddressthesebarriers.TheinitiativeswerepilotedacrossGreaterManchesterassummarisedbelow:Career&SkillsEventswith‘PopupFactory’

TextilesTeashopRecruitmentCampaignTheEmployerSkillsGroup

Sewing&TextilesAcademies

TAPshowcasedlocaltextilesmanufacturingacrossGM,LancashireandWestYorkshireattwelvecareerevents.Eacheventdisplayedproducts,sectoropportunities,careerinformationandprovideddemonstrationsandtheopportunitytouseindustrialsewingmachinesatour‘PopupFactory’.Intotal,thestandattracted15990visitorsandmanyschoolsinvitedthefacilitytoattendtheirfurthercareerevents.

SkillsYorkshire&HumberShow2015

TAPdeveloped‘TheTextilesTeaShopRecruitmentCampaign’toraiseawarenessandattractlatentskillsinthelabourmarket.WorkinginpartnershipwithindustryTAPdeliveredsixeventsacrossGM,attractinghighprofilenationalandlocalTV,radioandsocialmedia.Thecampaignresultedinidentificationofover100experiencedtextilesworkersandover200would-berecruits,aspecialisttextilesrecruitmentagencyconductedover200interviewsand26vacancieswerefilledimmediately.

TAPinitiatedtheGMTextilesEmployerSkillsGroup.Acommittedgroupoftextilesemployers,representingeachtextilessubsector.ChairedbyMillikenIndustries.Thegroupmeetregularlytosteer,informandmonitorTAPandNationalskillsprojectsandinitiatives.

InresponsetoTAPresearch5trainingprovidersopenedspecialisttrainingacademiesacrossGMandYorkshire,tohelpmeetthedemandforpracticalindustrialsewingskills.Approximately.900studentshavecompletedthetrainingto-date,achievingaccreditedqualificationsandgoingontoapprenticeships,fulltimejobsorfurthereducation.



IndustryMasterclasses

TheTextilesSkillsPortal

OnetooneEmployerSupport

WorkingwithNationalSkillsandCareerOrganisations

Workingwithschools

WorkingwithRetailers

InpartnershipwithindustryandTheManchesterGrowthHubTAPdeliveredaseriesofthreemasterclasses–MoreSuccess,MoreProfit.EachMasterclasswashostedatanindustryvenue,deliveredbyindustryleadersandattendedbyowners,directorsandmanagersfromapproximatelyfourteenGMcompanies,allwillingtoshareexperiences,informationandadvice.Feedbackwaspositiveanddemandformoreclassesexpressed.

WorkingwithkeyemployersTAPdesigned,developedandpilotedaninteractivetextilesjobs,skillsinformationandguidanceportalwhichcanbetransferredtootherkeycentresoftextilesmanufacturingintheUK.TheworkingmodelwaspilotedacrosstheGreaterManchestertextilesindustryin2015,attractingapproximately1200hitsamonthoverasix-monthperiod.Thepilotwasasuccess;however,thesiteisnowdormantduetolackofresources.

TAPprovidedonetoonetextilesspecificskillsadviceacrossGreaterManchester.Over350employermeetingstookplace,approx.2250telephoneenquiriesand2300emailenquirieswhereanswered.Helpingdirectemployerstoappropriatetrainingprovision,funding,qualifications,recruitment,apprenticeships,employmentlawandbusinesssupport.

TAPdevelopedandnurturedrelationshipswithNationalCareerOrganisations,regionalcareerofficesandschools.18meetingswithcareeradvisorstookplacetoraiseawarenessofsectorgrowth,jobsandcareeropportunities.TAPalsoengagedwithnewCareerandEnterpriseCompany,highlightingsectorneedsandencouragingtextilesemployerstobecomeEnterpriseAdvisers.(businessvolunteerswhoworkcloselywithlocalschoolorcolleges)

Inadditiontocareerandskillsfairs,TAPworkedinpartnershipwiththeNationalCareersServiceandindustrytodeliveraneventforGreaterManchesterschools-‘InspiringtheNextGeneration’.Theeventraisedawarenessofthetextilesindustrygrowthandcareeropportunities.Itwasattendedbyrepresentativesfrom28schools.Feedbackconfirmedthatmostofschoolsinattendanceareconsideringtheinclusionoftextilesinfuturecurriculum.

TheTAPreportsrecommendstrongerconnectionsbetweenmanufacturersandretailerstoensureanunderstandingofthecapacityandcapabilityofUKtextilesmanufacturing,andgainthesupportoftheretailersinaddressingskillsshortages.TAPensuredthatTheTrailblazerApprenticeshipdevelopmentgroupforsewnproductproductionisjointledbyamanufacturerandaretailerandthe18-stronggroupincludes3morelargeretailers.



NationalApprenticeshipDevelopmentConductingContinuousSkillsResearch

1.2 KeyFindingso Recruitmentisahugebarriertogrowth;jobadvertsreceivelowresponseand/orapoorcalibreof

candidate.Employersalsoreportlackofsectorunderstandingfromjobcentres,nationalrecruitmentinitiativesandrecruitmentagencies.

o Employersprefertorecruitskilledworkers,butcannotfindthem.Theyalsopreferolderrecruits(25+).However,cutsinAdultskillsfundingmeansproviderscanrarelyhelpdeveloptheskillsofolderentrants.

o Youngpeoplearenotemploymentready.Employersarereluctanttoemployyoungpeopledueto

negativeexperiences.However,employersrecognisetheurgentneedtorecruitandtrainyoungpeopleandarebeginningtodemonstrateawillingnesstotakewhattheyperceiveasarisk

o Successinrecruitingyoungpeople,isoftenfollowedbyfailedretention,onaveragenewrecruitsoftenleavetwelvesfromtheirstartingdate.OnfurtherinvestigationTAPidentifiedadistinctlackofcomprehensiveinductionandtrainingprogrammes.

o Theimageofthetextilesindustryispoor,thisinfluencescareersadviceandeventuallyand

recruitment.Employersarekeentoraisethesectorimage.However,SMEsandmicrobusinessescanrarelycommitthetimeandresourcesrequired.

o NationalCareerOrganisationsandschoolbasedcareeradvisorsdonotunderstandthesectoranddo

notpromotecareeropportunitieswithintextilesmanufacturing,thoughtheydopromotehighprofilecareersinfashion.

o Thoseschoolsandcareerorganisationswhohaveexpressedinterestinrevitalisingtheircurriculum

toincludetextilesreportashortageofupto-datesectorinformationandpromotionalmaterial.o Sectorgrowthisdrivingdemandforskilledlabouratalllevelsfromentrytograduateroles.However,

thediversityoftheindustrymeansthecurrenttrainingdeliverymodeldoesnotmeetdemand.

TextileemployersreportedthatcurrentApprenticeshipFrameworksarenotfitforindustryneeds.Duetogovernmentreform,employersarenowresponsiblefordevelopingnewapprenticeships.TAPworkedcloselywith18companies,UKFTandFashionEntertocompleteanapplicationtodevelopnewstandards.Thisapplicationwasapproved.Thenewstandardsarenowunderdevelopment,Onwiderconsultationbasis84companieshavefedintothedevelopmentandonapproval3newapprenticeshipswillbeavailableinSpring2018.

TAPhascontinuallyrefreshedresearchinrelationtoskillsinordertoinformfutureskillsstrategies.Inearly201730FashionandTextilescompaniesfedintoafocusedskillssurvey.Thesurveyresultsreiteratedrecognisedskillsissuesincludingincreaseddemand,recruitmentproblems,replacementconcerns,skillsshortagesofsewingmachinistandthelackofappropriatetrainingprovision.



o Theskillshortagesidentifiedashavingamajornegativeimpactonbusinessgrowthinclude

ProductionSewingMachinists,Weavers,DigitalPrinters,PatternCuttersandProductionManagers.o Manytextilesfirmsunder-investinskills,duetonumerousfactorsincludingrelianceonageingstaff,

lackofstrategicplanningandperceivedrisksinlosingtrainedstafftocompetitors.o Employershavewelcomedtheopportunitytodevelopandtakeownershipofthenewtrailblazer

apprenticeshipstandards.However,theydoexpressconcernsandarecautiousofthenewfundinganddeliverysystem.

o Mostemployersdonotunderstandthecurrentskillssystem,areunawareskillssupport,funding,and

trainingprovisionandwaryofexternalsupportorganisations.

o Employersdonotvaluethecurrentaccreditedtextilesqualificationsornationalapprenticeshipsandviewthemasoutdatedandinappropriate.

o Employersreportnegativeexperienceswhilsttryingtoengagewithlocalprovidersienoappropriate

trainingprogrammes,hardsellofinappropriatetrainingprogrammes,slowornoresponsetoenquiries,unreliableinformationandlackofindustryunderstanding.

o Thoseprovidersthathavetriedtocreatepracticaltrainingsolutionssuchasshortcoursesfor

industrialsewingmachinistsreportinsufficientvolumesoflearners‘makingdeliveryunfeasible.

o Fundingforbespokepracticaltrainingisrare,andwhenavailableoftenrequiresachievementofaccreditedqualifications.

o AwardingBodieshaveaconstantstruggletomaintainaccreditationforsectorspecificqualifications

duetolownumbers.o SkillsshortagesinfluencetheconfidencetoinvestorworkwiththeUKtextilesmanufacturing

industry.Retailersneedtoseeanincreaseinskillscapacityandcapabilitytogivethemthefaithtoplacelarge,sustainableorders.

o Thelackoflargetextilesmanufacturersthatpayintotheapprenticeshiplevymeanssignificant

investmentisunlikelytotrickle-downthesupplychainandthelevywillhavelimitedinfluenceonskillsinvestment.



1.3Recommendations

GovernmentmustsupportthecreationofaNationalFashionandTextilesSkillsStrategywhichmapsoutastrategicplantoaddressallthelistedrecommendationsbelow:

o Inpartnership,manufacturers,retailersandsectorrepresentativebodiesneedtocreateasectorbrandanddeliveranationalcampaigntoraisetheindustryprofileandpromotethesector.

o Asupportteamofcrediblesectorexpertsmustbeputinplacetosupporttheindustry,helpingcompaniestonavigatetheskillssystemandensuringbusinessesknowwhatthesystemcandoforthemandwhatisexpectedoftheemployer.

o Growandnurturethefashionandtextilesprovidernetworkanddevelopapackageofsupportfor

providers,thatwillensureprovisionmeetsemployerneedsandthenewtrailblazerapprenticeshipsstandards.

o TheindustryanduniversitiesmustworktogethertodevelopDegreeApprenticeshipsthatwilladdress

skillsshortagesatLevel4andaboveintextilesmanufacturing.o Createacentralhubfortheindustrywhichwillsupportallthedifferentdisciplinesoftextiles

manufacturingincludingproductdesign,fashion,marketingandretail,materialsciences,advancedmaterialstextilesmachineryandtechnology.

o ManufacturersandretailersmustsupporttheFashionandTextilesTradeAssociation(UKFT)toprovide

onestrongvoicetocontinuallylobbygovernmentandensurethescaleofopportunityforgrowthandemploymentinUKfashionandtextilesisrecognised.

o Continuesectorspecificresearchtomonitorskillsrequirementsandinformskillsstrategy.o Developarecruitmentandretentionpackagedesignedtoreducetheperceivedriskonbusinesswhen

employingyoungpeople.Includingworktrials,wagesubsidiesandemployabilityprograms.o Replicate‘TheSewingAcademy’deliverymodelacrosstheUK,utilisingregionalfundinginitiativesand

providingpracticaltrainingsolutions.o Developandpromoteanationaldedicatedwebsite,providingasectorspecificjobandcareerportal

deliveringinformation,adviceandguidance.Aone-stop-shopforemployers,providers,educationalists.potentialrecruitsandstakeholders.

o Deliveranationalrecruitmentcampaignwithfocusonaddressingtheimmediateskillsneedsand

fillingcurrentjobsvacancieswhilstidentifyingandtrainingapprenticestomeetfutureskillsdemand.o Developkitemarkedsectorspecificinductionandinitialtrainingprogrammes,designedtoretainthe

interestandenthusiasmofnewrecruits,followedbyasystematictrainingprogramme,thatwilltaketraineesthroughascheduleoflearningdesignedtohelpreachbreakevenperformanceintheshortestpossibletime.

o Deliveranationaltextilesawarenesscampaigntargetingschools,colleges,parentsandteachersto

raisetheindustryprofile.AlongsidedevelopapackageofresourceswhichcanbedeliveredinpartnershipbyschoolsandindustryanddesignedinlinewithnationalcurriculumandOfstedFrameworks.



1. IntroductionTheAllianceReport,‘RepatriationofUKTextilesManufacture’(January2015),wastheresultofatwo-yearresearchprojectintothepotentialforrepatriatingtextilesmanufacturingintheUK.Aspartofthisproject,significantresearchintotheskillssupplyanddemandwithinthetextilesindustrieswascarriedout.OneofthecriticalsuccessfactorsidentifiedthroughouttheresearchwastheneedtoensurethatUKtextilesandclothingindustryhasstrongandrelevantskillstocompetesuccessfullyinworldmarkets.Tothisaimemployersexpressedseriousconcerninrelationtoskillsshortages,anageingworkforce,the

imageoftheindustry,thelackofappropriatetrainingprogrammes,thelackofrelevantsupportandconfusioninrelationtothecurrentskillssystem.Theoneclearskillsrecommendationwithinthereportisto‘Addressimmediateskillshortagesalongsideandtheimageandbrandingofthesector’.Thisincludes:

o Increasingthenumberofskilledentrantstoensurethecurrentworkforcesizeismaintained.o Workingwitheducationtochangeyoungpeople’sperceptionofthesectorwithappropriate

labourmarketinformation,adviceandguidanceo Identifyinglatentskillsinthelabourmarketthatcanbereadilydeployedtomeettheimmediate

skillsneedsandgivingtimetodevelopalong-termskillspipeline.

Sinceundertakingtheresearch,TheAllianceProject(TAP)hasworkedcloselywithindustrytodevelopnewapproachestoskillsandengagingwithstakeholders,employers,educationalists,parentsandyoungpeople.Numerousactivitiesandinitiativeshavebeendevelopedandpiloted,aimingtohelpaddresstherecognisedskillsshortages,improvetheimageoftheindustryandincreaseaccesstorelevanttrainingandsupport.

ThisreportdetailseachTAPachievementinrelationtoskillsincluding:

o Significantonetooneengagemento Workwithnationalcareerorganisationso Careerandskillseventso Textilesindustrypromotionandrecruitmentcampaignso Employerandstakeholderpartnershipso Workwithtextilestrainingproviderso InstigationofnewTrainingAcademieso Textiles-Skills-Portaldevelopmento Supportinganddevelopingnewapprenticeshipprogrammeso Developingindustrytrainingo ContinuousSkillsResearch

TAPendedinMay2017creatingafinalreportthatcoverstheachievementsacrossseveralstrandsofTAPwork-‘RealisingtheGrowthPotentialofUKFashionandTextilesManufacturing’.



3.SkillsInitiativesandActivities3.1 OnetooneEmployerSupport

WheninterviewedatTAPresearchstage,employersreportedalackofunderstandingofthefundingandsupportavailableforskillsandalackoftimeandresourcestoaddressworkforcedevelopment.

InMay2014TAPputintoplaceaccesstoinformation,adviceandguidance(IAG)viaonetoonesupportforGreaterManchesterfashionandtextilesemployers.ThissupportwasextendedacrossWestYorkshire,Lancashire,Derbyshire,Leicestershirein2016.

Over350companyvisitsinrelationtoskillstookplace,approx.2250telephoneenquiriesand2300emailenquirieswhereanswered.SignpostingandIAGdeliverycoveredawiderangeoftopics,themost

common,reoccurringrequestsarelistedbelow:

o Employmentlawandregulationsinrelationtonewrecruits,apprenticesandtraineeso Sectorspecificnationalapprenticeships-What’savailableandguidanceastotherelevantprogrammeperemployeeo Signpostingtolocalandappropriatetrainingprovisiono Apprenticeshipdeliverystructureandprovidersupporto Accesstopractical,relevanttrainingcourseso RecommendationsinrelationtoTradebodiesandAssociationso AppropriateAccreditedQualificationso Accesstoskilledworkerso Funding,supportanddeliveryofbespokeorin-housetrainingo Signpostingtothewiderbusinesssupportnetworko Recruitmentstrategies/Recruitmentagencyrecommendationso EffectiveInductionandretentionprogrammeso Typicaltrainingdurationandcostso AccesstoCutMakeandTrim(CMT)o Supportforproductdevelopmentandinnovationo Howtolinktolocalschoolsandcollegeso NationalCareersorganisations–whatdotheydoandhowcantheyhelp?o NationalQualityStandardsandkitemarkso Businesstobusinessnetworks

o Environmentalissuesandstandards



3.2NationalSkillsandCareerOrganisations

WheninterviewedatTAPresearchstage,employersexpressedconcernregardingthepoorimageofthesectorandtheperceptionofyoungpeople(andparents)duetothelackofuptodatecareerandprogressioninformation.

TAPdevelopedandnurturedrelationshipswiththeNationalCareerService,TheCareerandEnterpriseCompanyandTheSectorSkillsCouncilforFashion&Textilesaswellaslinkswithregionalcareerofficesandschools.Numerousmeetingswithindividualrepresentativesfromtheorganisationsabovetookplace,aimingtoraiseawarenessofthesectorscopeandcareeropportunities

Inaddition,TAPworkedinpartnershipwiththeNationalCareerServicetodeliveraTextilesCareereventatManchester’sMuseumofScience&industry.TheeventincludedspeakersfromGMtextilescompanies,highlightingcareeropportunities,theessentialskillsandqualitiesemployersneedandasuccessfultextilesschoolprogrammedesignedinlinewiththeOfstedframework.Twenty-eightteachersandcareeradvisorsfromGMschoolsattended.Participantsfeltthataftertheeventtheywerebetterplacedtoconsiderthedeliveryoftextilesrelatedlearningandwereconfidenttoprovideaccurateandinformedindustryspecificadvicetopupils.Enthusiasmforeducationtoworkmorecloselytoindustrywasapparentfrombothschoolsandemployers.TAPalsodeliveredtwelvepresentationsatGMschoolsandcollegesonsectorgrowth,careersandopportunities,highlightingthepotential,diversityanddynamicsoftheindustry.Pupilsandteachersconfessingthepre-perceptionoftheindustryasadyingsectorandexpressedsurpriseregardingtheinformationshared.Thesepresentationsleftwellinformedstaffwillingtopromotethesectorandenthusiasticpupilswhoarenowmorelikelytoconsidertheindustryasaseriouscareerchoice.“I fed back the information to the head of CEIAG here at Connell, and I suggested that we add ‘Textiles’ to the curriculum in September 2016. I feel that those students who are interested in creative careers should have an option to study textiles. It is an exciting career with many possibilities”

M.Thompson–CEIAGCareersAdvisor,ConnellSixthFormCollege,301AlanTuringWay, Ma

TextilesCareers:InspiringthenextGenerationEventNov2015

TextilesCareers:InspiringthenextGenerationevent2016



3.3 Career&SkillsEvents

“We have a significant role to play in lifelong learning so It’s great to see employers working withschools”-SimonSmith,headteacheratStGabriel‘’Ihavereceivedglowingfeedbackfromeveryschoolrepresentative,duringandposttheevent,whichisagreattestamenttoyourefforts,thankyou”SimonJoosBuryCouncil“Ididn’trealisethetextilesindustryhassomuchtooffer-it’stimetoreviewwhatwedoonthissubject”teacherStGabriel’s“Iwanttodofashiondesign,butIdidn’tknowtherewereotherjobsthatsupportthisjobrole-IhavemoreoptionsthanIthought”pupilBroadoakSchool

Event Visitors Significantinterest PopupfactoryusersRochdalex2 3200 415 71

Ashton 600 230 98

Manchesterx3 2016 580 181

Bury 700 200 103

Leeds 6254 2010 200

Stalybridge 1000 350 96

Duckenfield 320 78 41

Blackburn&Darwin 1300 480 146

BlackburnFestivalofMaking 600 380 180

15990 4723 1116

Approximately8000piecesofsectorspecificliteraturewasdistributed

TAPdeveloped‘TheTextilesShowcase’andhaveexhibitedonbehalfofthesectorattwelveskillsandcareereventsacrossGM,LancashireandWestYorkshire.Theshowcaseallowsemployerstopromotetheircompany,sharecareeropportunitiesandexhibitproductsateventsaimedatschoolleaversandyoungpeople.Eacheventdisplaysdifferentproductsandsectorinformationdependingonthelocalindustry.Demonstrationsareoftenincludedsuchasknitting,dying/colouring,weaving,embroideryandindustrialsewingtechniques.Theshowcaseincludesapopupfactorywherevisitorsareencouragedtouseavarietyofindustrialstitchingmachineswithtrainingandsupervision,enablingthemtoproducesimpleitemsincorporatingindustrialsewingtechniques.Examplesoffeedbackbelow:SkillsYorkshire&HumberShow2015

RochdaleSkillsShow2014NewCharterSchoolAshton2016



3.4.WorkingwithSchools

CareersYorkshire&HumberthePrimecontractorfortheNationalCareersServiceaskedTAPtotakepartinthepilotingoftheuseofwebinarsasaremoteformofengagementbetweenemployersandschoolsandcolleges.Toincludeworkactivitiesandshowcasingjobroleswhichwouldbeotherwisebedifficulttodeliverduetohealthandsafetyconsiderations.ieweaving,dying,spinningetc,

BlackburnCollegeaskedTAPtobeinvolvedandsupporttheCommunityClothingProject.Theprojectaimstofeedemployerdemandintheregionbytrainingupanolderworkforceandencouragenewapprenticeships.

Additionalrequestswerereceivedfromtheorganisationsandschoolslistedbelow,unfortunatelymostinvitationswererefusedduetolackoffundingandresources.

CarrManorSchool NewhamCollegeCareerFair TheSkillsShow–Birmingham

CarltonSchool HathershawSchoolEmployersEvent NewcharterAcademyCareerFair

BuryChurchSchoolParentsEvent FairfieldHighCareersTalk MatthewMossSchoolCareerEvent

TheRochdaleSkillsEvent OldhamCouncil–ChoiceCareer WetherbyHighSchoolCareerevent

SkillsNorthWest–Manchester StDamiansYr11eveningforparents CulturefusionCareerFair

TheNationalCareerGuidanceShow

LagendaleHighSchoolCareerFair SwallowHillComCollegeCareerevent

ConnellSixthFormCollegeCareerTalk

StDamiansCareerFair CrawshawAcademyCareerevent

ProspectServices SkillsYorkshire&HumberShow WakefieldCollegeCareerevent

ConnellSixthFormCollege CareerConvention BradfordAcademyCareerevent

KirkleesCollegeEmployabilityEvent

AlderhillSchoolApprenticeshipexhibition SiddalMoorCollegeCareerEvent

BuryCouncilApprenticeshipEvent

MirfieldFreeGrammarThinkfutureevent HydeCommunityCollegeCareerevent

NewallGreenHighSchoolProfessionalPathwaysevent

AlderhillCommunitySchoolCareerFair

TheCareerandSkillsFairshighlightedinSection3.3generated a high level of interest from schools,colleges and stakeholders. In response to demandTAP developed and delivered presentations intwelveGreaterManchesterSchools.Theprojecthassince received invitations to deliver sector specificpresentations and activities from variousorganisationsandschools.Including:

MOSI to help develop, inform and take part in aCottonopollis Exhibition, a two-day teachernetworkingeventandafour-daypopupfestival.

TheDesignandTechnologyAssociationtohelpdevelopmentanddeliveryofatwo-dayresidentialcoursefortextilesteacherswithafocusonSTEMintextiles.



3.5.TextilesRecruitmentCampaign

o Anintensestudyoftheregiontoidentifylatentskillshotspotso Highprofile,extensivemarketingandpromotioncampaign,viaTV,radio,localandsocialmediao Six,twodayeventsinthemostpopularshoppingcentresacrosstheregiono PromotionoftheUKsectorgrowth,futurejobandcareeropportunitieso Promotionoflocalindustrywithintheimmediatecommunitieso Thecollectionandcollationofpersonalinformationaccumulatinginadatabaseofindividuals

withrelevantskills,experienceo Thecollectionandcollationofpersonalinformationaccumulatinginadatabaseofindividuals

wishingtojointhesectorastrainee’s

ThepilotachievedTenindividualreportsoneachboroughinGM,identifyingareaswherelatentskillsaremostlikely

Eighteenemployersparticipated,highlightingvacanciesandsecuringinterviews

Threehundredandthirty-sevenregisteredonthedatabaseasinterestedinworkinginthesector

Fourhundredindividualsusedthepop-upfactoryfacilitiesandTextilesApprenticeshipProvidersreportedasignificantincreaseininterest

Aspecialisttextilesrecruitmentagencywasformedtosupportthesector,theyconductedover200interviewsandheldaregisterofonehundredandseventy-eightsuitableworkcandidates

Employersimmediatelyconductedthirty-sixinterviews

Twenty-sixvacanciesfilledimmediatelywithmoreinthepipeline

TheTextilesTeashopwebsiteattracted7944pageviewsplus3378tweets.

Thecampaignattractedanoverwhelminginterestfromthemediaincluding:

- 22PressArticles(including3nationals)- 5LocalRadiointerviews- 6TVreports(IncludingChannel4News.

TheOneShow,ITVNews

Employersreportedimmediatedemandforskilledmachinistsandthepotentialtohirelatentskillswithinthelocallabourmarket.

TAPsecuredfundingtodevelopandpilotaprogramthataimedtoidentifylatentskillsinthelabourmarket.TAPmadeuseofCensusdatatoidentifyGMsdensestconcentrationsofskillsinthelabourforce,andusedthistofocusthedeliveryofaseriesofTheTextilesTeashopRecruitmentCampaignin2015acrossGreaterManchester.Theinitiativeandincluded:



3.6EmployerSkillsGroup

Employersvoicedconcernthatasasectordominatedbysmallandmicro-sizebusinessesthereisalackofappropriateskillsinitiatives,andagenerallackofunderstandingoftheindustriesskillsneedsbysupportagencies.

In2014TAPinvitedGMTextilesemployerstoaninitialskillsmeetingatOutdoor&SportsCoLtd,Hyde.Thirty-fiveemployersattended,skillsissues(ashighlightedintheAllianceReport)werediscussedandconfirmedandpotentialsolutionswerediscussed.ThisinformationinformedtheTAPSkillsActionPlan.Followingthismeeting,sixGMEmployersvolunteeredtoformaTextilesEmployersSkillsGroup(ESG)toshapeandinformtheTAPskillsactivityplan.TheESGsteeredandmonitoredTAPprojectstoensureappropriateinitiativesandtrainingopportunities.

TheGMTextilesESGinitiallymetmonthlytoestablishthegroupinearnest.Oncethegroupwascommittedandgelledmeetingstookplaceeveryquarter.Thegroupbroadlyrepresentthekeysubsectorswithintheindustryasdetailedbelow:Chair:

Milliken&CompanyProducesofcoverings,performancefabrics,composites,Industrialandspecialitytextiles

Members:

SigmatexProducesofcarbonfibrecomposites

BoltonTextilesGroupProducesofhometextiles,curtains,beddingetc

LantexltdProducesofhouseholdtextiles

MacTapesLtdProducesofnarrowfabricsandtapes

PenthouseCarpetsProducesofhighquality,tuftedwoolcarpets

ClairedeLuneProducesofbabywearandbedding

CavendishSportswearProducesofsportwearandladieswear

Pastmembers

V20Producesofperformancesportswear

CamiConfidentialProducesofbespokeladieswear



3.7TrainingProviders

TAPinterviewsidentifiedjust15%oftextilesemployersconnectedwithalocaltrainingprovider.Employerssaybecauseofthespecificnatureoftheirbusiness;trainingprovidersdonotunderstandtheirneedsanddonotofferthetrainingrequired.

TAPidentified,encouraged,supportedanddevelopedtrainingproviderstomeetdemand.Initiallyoneproviderofferedfashionandtextilescourses,qualificationsandapprenticeshipsintheGMarea.TAPsupportedthedevelopmentofprovisioninGMandYorkshire,aslistedbelow:

TheManchesterCollegeofferarangeoffashionandtextilescoursesfromLevel3Awards,CertificatesandDiplomasingarmentconstructionandpatterncuttingtoLevel5HND.

OldhamCollegeofferindustrialsewingatLevel1leadingtoLevel2and3Apprenticeshipsacrosssewnproductmanufacturingtechnologyviatheirdedicatedstitchingacademy.

HuddersfieldCentreofExcellence:Anationalprovider,offersLevel2and3TextilesManufactureapprenticeships,plussectorsupport,atrainingfacility,acut,makeandtrimservice,useofmachinesandgarmentdesignsupport.

RochdaleTrainingnowoffertextilesmachinemaintenanceapprenticeshipsandaredeliveringinapproximatelyfivecompanieswithgrowingdemand.

Training365andindependenttrainingproviderofferingsewingmachinemaintenancetrainingforarangeoftextilesmachineryalongwithgarmentconstruction/productioncourses.

TheTextilesSkills

Consultancy

TheTextilesSkillsConsultancyhavecreatedanumberofcommercialcoursesandresourcesincluding‘TheIndustrialSewingMachinistsTrainingManual/Workbook’andaperformanceboostingtrainerthetrainercourseforsupervisorsworkingintheindustry.

KeithleyCollegepartofLeedsCityCollege,offerA-levelTextilesandLevel1practicaltraininginindustrialsewingviatheirnewtextilesskillsacademy.

BurnleyCollegeOfferLevel2and3ApprenticeshipsinFashionandTextilesalongwithLevel1practicaltraininginindustrialsewingviatheirthenewtextilesacademy.

TheSkillsCompany:OneofthelargestprovidersofApprenticeshipsinGMexploredapartnershipwith‘Coats’theworld’sleadingindustrialthreadmanufacturer.TheproposaltoopenanindustrialsewingacademyinTraffordwasdeveloped.Unfortunately,duetocoststhisproposalwasfoundtobeunfeasibleatpresentandwillbeexploredagainbytheproviderasdemandgrows.



3.8Sewing&TextilesTrainingAcademies

Fiveofthetrainingprovidersdetailedinsection3.7createdtrainingacademiestomeetthedemandforpracticalindustrialsewingskills.TAPhelpedtomarketandsupportthesetrainingacademiesandtwoofwerecreatedviaEmployerandTextilesGrowthProgrammeinvestment.Theotherthreeacademieswerecreatedbythestatedcollege/providerindependently.

In2013OldhamCollegepioneeredthepracticalSewingAcademymodel.TheAcademyoffersshortcoursesinindustrialsewing,patterndraftingandgarmentconstructionwiththeopportunitytoadvanceontoanapprenticeshiporemployment.TheSewingAcademyworksinpartnershipwithEmployersandJobcentreplus.Utilisingaschemethatallowsre-trainingopportunitiesforunemployedlearnerswhilsttheycouldcontinuetoclaimbenefits.TheSewingacademyboastsexcellentsuccessrateswitharound80-85%ofstudentsgoingontoapprenticeshipsorpaidemploymentinthetextileindustry.

TheManchesterCollegeopenedtheirtrainingschoolin2014.Utilisingthejobcentreplusfundsandaimingattheunemployedorthosewishingtoreturntothesector.ThecollegedeliveredtheLevel1Awardinindustrialsewingandplacedapproximalsixpeopleintojobs,intakeremainedsteadythroughout2014,howeverdueacollegerefocusandrestructuretheschoolwasclosedandthecollegenolongerofferapprenticeshipsinsewnproducts.However,theycontinuetodeliverarangeoffashionandtextilescoursesfromLevel3Awards,CertificatesandDiplomasingarmentconstructionandpatterncuttingtoLevel5HND.

In2016KeithleyCollegejoinedforceswithlocaltextilesemployers,BradfordCouncilandtheTextilesGrowthProgrammetodevelopanewTextileAcademy.Theacademywaslaunchedin2017andhailedasamajorbreakthroughinensuringlocalmanufacturingfirmsgettheskilledemployeestheyneed.

Trainingonstate-of-the-artequipmentincludingnineindustrialsewingmachines,afive-metrecuttingtableandindustrialcuttingknives.Studentswillcompleteafour-weekcoursethatwillcoveremployabilityskills,industrialproductiontechniquesandworkexperiencewithlocalemployers.Attheendoftheprogramme,studentsareofferedtheopportunitytoattendajobinterviewandtheopportunitytoprogresstoatimeapprenticeshipinindustrialsewingskillsoremployment.



TheBurnleyCollegeTextilesAcademyhasbeenmadepossiblethroughtheinvestmentsmadebyLancashire’sleadingtextilesmanufacturers,TheTextilesGrowthProgramandBurnleyCollege.TheAcademy’shigh-profilelaunchtookplaceinMarch2017andthecoursesonofferaimtodeveloptheworkforcerequiredtoaddresscurrentandfutureskillsdemand.ThefoundergrouparecontinuallyworkingtogethertoattractyoungpeopleandwillbeinstrumentaltotheongoingdevelopmentoftheTextileAcademyanditstrainees.

Trainees partake in a sixteen-week industrialsewing course with key focus on the processes and techniques used by local industry. The courseincludes visits to local industry and the opportunity to progress to a sewnproduct apprenticeship oremployment. Delivery is supported by Skills for the Workforce. The first cohort of eight learnerscompleted their course in May two have gone on to the apprenticeship programme and two havesuccessfullyappliedforfulltimejobs.

In 2015 The Textile Centre of Excellence launchedthe Fashion Industry Training Academy (FIT),Yorkshire’s first dedicated fashion, stitching,garment making and furnishings Academy. TheAcademy has been created to supply skilledoperatives to meet demand. The academy willprovide customised training to fill job vacancies inoccupations such as sewing machinists, garmenttechnologists, fabric cutters, pattern graders etc.Specialist industry tutors and assessorswill deliverpractical training tostudentsusingawiderangeofapparel machinery to develop the skills andtechniques needed. Training will be offered fromentry level, running through intermediate leveltrainingandwhererequiredontoadvancedskillsdelivery.

The FIT Academy links into various funding and offers a range of learning packages from trainingemployed individuals who need to increase their machinist skills to school leavers and job seekers,aimingtodeveloptheskillsandinterestsofyoungpeoplewhomayhavelittleornoknowledgeoftheopportunitieswithinthesector.



3.9IndustryMasterclasses

TAPresearchhighlightedthatbecauseofthespecificnatureofthetextilesindustrytrainingprovidersdonotunderstandemployersneedsandthattrainingistoogeneric.

In2017TAP,inpartnershipwithindustrydeliveredaseriesofthreemasterclasses–MoreSuccess,MoreProfit-forowners,directorsandmanagersoftextilebusinesseswithinGreaterManchester.The

MasterclasseswereheldmonthlyduringJanuary–March2017.

Eachmasterclasswashostedatanindustryvenue,deliveredbyindustryleadersandwasattendedbyrepresentativesfromapproximatelyfourteencompanies.

Thesessionleaderstailoredtheirdeliverytosuittheaudienceandateachsessioninvolveddifferentsizecompaniestoprovideamorevariedbackgroundandexperience.

Presenterssharedtheirknowledgeandexperienceoftheproblemstheyface,themistakestheyhavemade,whattheylearnedandwhattheywoulddodifferently.Eachclasswasthemedbasedonkeysubjectareasas

detailedbelow:

Masterclass1:Successandyourpeople-areyougettingthemostoutofyourstaff?HeldatCulimetaSafeguard,TamesideinJanuary2017andincluded:o Leadingbyexample;leadingchange;effectivecommunication;motivation;moreleadership,lessmanagement,deliveredbythemanageratCulimetaSafeguard

o Buildingasuccessfulteamofstaff–staffrecruitmentandapprenticeships,deliveredbytheHRmanageratSigmatexLtd

Masterclass2:Successandyourcustomers–howwelldoyouunderstandyourmarkets?HeldatMillikenIndustries,WiganinFebruary2017andincluded:o Voiceofthecustomer-Couldyoubemoreeffectiveatputtingyourselfinyourcustomers’shoes?-understandingyourcustomerneeds.deliveredbytheDirectorsofMilliken

o Areyousetupforinnovation?–makingitapriority;translatingyourcustomerandsupplierneedsintonewproductideas,deliveredbytheMDofDRMIndustrialFabricsLtd

o CostingmodelsplusBrexitexample-Anoverviewoffinance,budgeting,procurementdeliveredbytheMDofMactapesltd

Masterclass3:Successandyourbusiness–isyourimageingoodshape?HeldatTheBoltonTextilesGroupinBoltoninMarch2017andincluded:o ChangingthesectorImage-Whatisthe“bigpicture”DeliveredbyPhilDawsonMDatBoltonTextileso UtilisingSkillsSupport-deliveredbymanagersatHerbertParkinson,partoftheJohnLewisGroup.o MarketingandBranding–Productimage,identifyingtherightmarketandgettingitoutthere,deliveredonbehalfofNeiltheMDUshiwear





3.10 TextilesSkillsPortal

EmployersconsultedduringTAPresearch,saidthattheywereunclearandconfusedwithregardtotheroleofskillssupportagenciesandfinditdifficulttoidentifywhere/whotogotodiscusstrainingneedsandidentifysolutions.OneofTAPSheadlineactivitiestohelpaddresstheissuesabovewasthedesign,buildandpilotofalocalinteractivetextilesskillsportal.Withfocusonsustainablelong-termjobsgrowthandskills,theportalspurposewastoprovidea‘gateway’whichwilldirectsectoremployers,employeesandtraineestotheappropriateinformationontextilestrainingprogrammes,provision,recruitment,progressionroutes,fundingandsupport.

TAP,workinginpartnershipwiththeEmployerSkillsGroupandPDMStodesign,developandpilottheportalwhichincludesaninteractiveTrainingPlantemplate.Oncompletionofthetemplatebyanemployerthejobroleidentifiedautomaticallygeneratesatrainingplanwhichincludestheappropriateapprenticeshipforthejobrole,localproviders,fundingandsupportavailable.Inaddition,thenewportalprovidedthetargetaudiencewith:

o trainingandfundingguidanceo careerinformationandprogressionrouteso sectorrolesandjobopportunitieso linkstosectorspecificsupportorganisationsandprovisionso linkstosectorspecificprovisionso membersignupfacilities

Theaimwastonurturealocalworkingmodel,fortheGreaterManchestertextilesindustrywhichcanbetransferredtootherkeycentresoftextilesmanufacturingintheUK.TheportalwaspilotedinGM2015andreceivedapprox.1200hitsamonthonaverage.PDMSthesitedevelopersupholdthesiteasanexemplar,showcasingindustryandstakeholderpartnershipachievement.However,ontheapproachoftheTAPprojectenddate,theopportunitytotakeoversitemanagementwashighlightedtostakeholderorganisations.To-datenoorganisationshavetakenadvantageofthisopportunity.



3.11Workingwithretailers

TheAllianceProject1researchhighlightedtherisingdemandforUKclothingandtextilesproduction.However,retailershavereportedinter-relatedbarriersincluding,theneedforincreasedUKmanufacturingcapacityandcapabilityandtheneedforgreatercoordinationbetweenretailersandmanufacturers.RetailersrecognisethatskillsshortagesaffectUKmanufacturingperformanceandunderstandtheneedtocollaborateandaddresstheissueinordersustainthecurrentandfuturegrowthoftheUKindustry.

TAPhaveinvitedretailerstoactivelyengageindevelopingthenewsewnproducttrailblazerapprenticeshipstandardstoensurebothmanufacturersandretailersareidentifyingandaddressingtheskillsneededtosustaintheUKsupplychain.Oncompletion,theapprenticeshipcanbeendorsedbyhighprofilenames,recognisedbyyoungpeopleandinturnattractpotentialrecruits.

Thedevelopmentgroupisnowledbyaretailer(M&Co)andamanufacturer(NeiperLtd).Thegroupalsoincludesthreemorelargeretailers-ASOS,TescoandJohnLewis.MatalanandMarks&Spencerhavealsoexpressedinterest.

Thisworkingpartnershipwill,inturnensurethatthesupplychainsustainabilityforbrandsandretailerswillnotbethreatenedandfutureskillswillmeettheretailersneedsandexpectations.Thepartnershipwillalsohelptoattractanewgenerationoftextilesworkers,asthebackingofhighprofilebrandsthatyoungpeoplerecognise,willservetoraisetheindustryappealandprofile.



3.11 ApprenticeshipDevelopment

ThroughoutTAPresearchemployersstressedthelackofappropriateworkbasedtraining,theindustriesagingworkforce,recruitmentdifficultiesandtheshortageofyoungpeopleapplyingforjobsorwantingtojointhesector. In2012,thegovernmenttookoutareviewofApprenticeshipsinEngland.Thereviewaimedatidentifyingwhetherapprenticeshipsdeliveredthetraining,qualificationsandskillsthatemployersandlearnersneed.

TheresultshighlightedthatasignificantnumberofemployersfeltcurrentSASEApprenticeshipFrameworkswerenotfitforindustryneeds.Inresponse,theGovernmentformedastrategytoredefineapprenticeships.Thereformsinvolvedradicalchangestothebasicdesign,puttingemployers‘inthedrivingseat’intermsofdesigningcontentanddecidinghowfundingisspent.

Initially,theSectorSkillsCouncil(SSC)ledthedevelopmentandTAPworkedcloselywiththemtoevidencedemand.In2016theSSCannouncedthattheycouldnolongerrepresentthesectorduetolackofresources.Keysectorstakeholdersthenmettoreviewandaddressthesituation.Itwasagreedtosplitthesectorintotwomanufacturingcategories-sewnproductproductionandtextilesmanufacturing.TAPagreedtoco-ordinatethesewnproductproductionactivityandTheTextilesCentreofExcellenceagreedtoco-ordinatetextilesmanufacturing.TAPworkedwithFashionEnterandUKFTtobringtogetheranemployergrouptorepresentthesewnproductindustries.Theintroductorymeetingwasattendedbytwenty-threeemployersfrommanufactureandretail.EighteenemployershavecommittedtothedevelopmentgroupledjointlybyDavidNieperLtd(ClothingManufacture)andM&Co(retailer).

Thegroupappliedtodevelopnewstandardstocoversixpriorityjobroles:

o IndustrialSewingMachinisto AdvancedSewingMachinisto SampleMachinist

o Garment/ProductTechnologisto PatternCuttero ProductionManager/Supervisor

InJanuary2017,theInstituteforApprenticeships(IfA)approvedthedevelopmentofstandardstocoverthreeofthejobrolesidentified,IndustrialSewingMachinist,Garment/ProductTechnologistandPatternCutter.Thesestandardsarenowin

firstdraftwithplanstosubmitthemforapprovalinSeptember2017.Eighty-foursewnproductcompanieshavebeenconsultedandhavefedintodrafts.Onapproval,theend-pointassessmentswillbedeveloped.ThetargetdateforcompletionandfinalapprovaloftheSewnProductApprenticeshipsisJanuary2018withaplantolaunchandmarketthenewapprenticeshipsinSpring2018.



3.11ContinuousSkillsResearch

Skillsissuescontinuetobeamajorbarriertoachievingthesector’sambitionsforgrowth.Bothmanufacturersandretailersstatetheneedforalongtermnationalskillsstrategyforthefashionandtextilessector.TAPhascontinuallymonitoreddemandandconductedandrefreshedresearchtoinformfutureskillsplansandactivities.TowardstheendoftheTAPprogramthirtyFashionandTextilescompaniesfedintoafocusedskillssurvey.Toensureawell-roundedresultarangeofcompanieswereselectedacrosssize,productrangeandsubsector.Pleasefindasummaryofthekeyresultsbelow:

92%ofcompaniessurveyedareconcernedaboutreplacingstaffafterexpectedretirements

Lessthan10%ofcompaniessurveyedemploystaffof18yrs

andunder

80%ofcompaniessurveyedpredictanincreaseinstafflevelsinthenexttwoyears

69%companiessurveyedareexperiencingrecruitproblems

49%ofcompaniessurveyedidentifiedskilledsewing

machinistsastheirbiggestskillsshortagewith60%identifyinga

lackoftrainees



92%ofcompaniessurveyedsaidtheseskillshortageshaveamajornegativeimpactontheir

business

Over65%ofthecompaniessurveyeddonotemploy

apprentices

However,92%ofthecompanies

surveyedwouldconsideremployinga16-18-year-oldonanapprenticeshipschemeif

giventheopportunity.

Allcompaniessurveyedpredictedtrainingneedsforthe

nexttwoyears



60%ofcompaniessurveyeddidnothaveCAD/CAMsystems48%intendtouse

CAD.CAMinthefuturedependingonbusiness

growth

48%ofcompaniessurveyedsaidthattherewerenotrainingcourses

tomeettheirneeds

50%ofcompaniessurveyedsaidtheyareworkingwithexternal

providers

0 20 40 60 80

Cam/Cad used

Cam/Cad not used

Cam/ Cad future use expected

Cam/Cad not expected (next 2yrs)

Design

Pattern Producion

Manufaacture

Work Management

other



90%ofthecompaniessurveyedhavenoformalworkforcedevelopmentplanortrainingbudget

4.KeyFindingsThefollowingsectionssetoutthemainbarrierstogrowth,keyfindingsandrecommendationsinrelationtoskillsacrossthetextilesindustry.TheinformationisbasedondirectfeedbackfrommanufacturersandretailersandresearchthathasbeenrefreshedthroughoutthecourseofTAPskillsactivities.Keybarrierstogrowtharelistedbelow:

o Skillgapsandshortagesduetothedifficultiesinreplacinganendemicagingworkforceo Significantrecruitmentandretentiondifficultieso Thepoorindustryimage,asperceivedbypotentialentrants,parentsandeducatorso Thelackofrelevantskillsprovision,information,adviceandguidance(IAG)o Thelackofinvestment

4.1 SkillsGapsandShortagesTheurgentneedtoaddressskillsshortagesremains.Thisisdrivenbyanagingworkforce,growingdemandforUKmadeproducts,andthechallengesofgettingpeopletoenterthesector.ForecastsforGMalonesuggestaveragereplacementdemandof500perannum.Manufacturersstatethatthesector’sexpansionandnewjobscreatedbyinvestmentisdrivingdemandforskilledlabouracrossallskilllevels(entrytograduateroles).EmployersidentifiedthemainskillsshortagesasProductionSewingMachinists,Weavers,DigitalPrinters,PatternCuttersandProductionManagersalongwiththedistinctlackoftrainees.TheseSkillshortageshavebeenidentifiedashavingamajornegativeimpactonbusinesses,resultinginlossofbusiness,higherproductioncostsandoutsourcing.Employersarelookingforpracticalsolutionstothetrainingofnewsewingmachinists,highlightingtheneedforinitialshortcoursesonbasicindustrialsewingtechniqueswithfocusonqualityandspeed.Textilesmachinemaintenanceskillsishighlightedasagrowingproblem.Mostmanufacturersuseexternalmachinemaintenanceengineers,thesearegettingfewerduetoretirementandemployersarestartingtolookattraininginternallywithexternalsupportfromspecialisedtrainingproviders.



Manufacturershaveconfirmedthefindingsofthegovernmentsapprenticeshipreview,claimingthatthatthecurrentapprenticeshipframeworksdonotmeettheirskillsneeds.However,whendiscussedfurtheremployershadlittleknowledgeofthecurrentframeworks.Employershavehighlightedtechnicalskillsshortages,particularlyaroundCAD/CAMintheapparelandtechnicaltextilesindustries.Manyprovidersdelivertrainingcoursesinthisarea.However,mostsmallbusinesses,thoughrecognisingtheneed,lacktheresourcestoinvestinCAD/CAMsystemsandrelatedfacilities.Moretraditionalbusinessessuchascouture,bridal,tailorsanddressmakersdonotwishtousecomputerisedsystems,preferringtoproducemanuallyinkeepingwiththeircraft.Largerwell-establishedbusinessesdoutiliseCAD/CAMhoweverthisaccountsforapproximatelyjust25%ofthesector.Thesebusinessesrarelyuselocaltrainingproviderspreferringtoutilisevendor-trainingpackages.Employerswelcometheopportunitytoreview.developandtakeownershipofthenewapprenticeshipstandards.Discussionsindicateenthusiasmandanincreaseinapprenticeshiptake-updrivenbytheApprenticeshiplevy.However,employersarecautiousofthenewfundinganddeliverysystem.Withinthe4800contactsbycompaniestotheTAPIAGservice,skillsgapsandshortagesweremadeapparent,asrequestsforhelpwithsectorspecificapprenticeships,theskillssystem,qualificationsandtraining,accesstoskilledworkers,developingeffectiveinductionprogrammes,linkstoschools,careerorganisations,recruitmentagenciesandthelocallabourmarket.4.2 RecruitmentandretentionTheTAPIAGsupportdealtwithcountlessrecruitmentenquiries,voicingdemandforproductionmanagers,supervisors,patterncutters,industrialsewingmachinists,cutters,samplemachinists,weaversandgeneraloperatives.Employersprefertofocusontherecruitmentofskilledworkersratherthanthetrainingofinexperiencedapplicants.Withinthe337individualswhoregisteredtheirinterestinjoiningthesectorviathe‘ThetextilesTeashopRecruitmentCampaign’149wereexperiencedManycompaniesalsoreiteratedtheirdifficultieswhenlookingfortrainees/apprentices,withnumerousgivinguponrecruitingatthislevel,duetothelackofapplicantsforjobsandapprenticeshipsadvertisedonline,vialocalnewspapersorjobcentresetc.Ahighpercentageofemployerssimplydonotlooktoemploy16-18yrolds,claimingthatyoungpeoplearenotemploymentready.Manyreportpoorretentionrateswhenattemptingtoemploythisagerange.HoweverresearchindicatesthattheyrecognisetheurgentneedtorecruitandtrainyoungpeopleandarebeginningtodemonstrateawillingtotakewhattheyperceiveasariskCompanies,whensuccessful,inrecruitingyoungpeoplereportedalowretentionrate.OnfurtherinvestigationTAPidentifiedadistinctlackofcomprehensiveinductionandtrainingprogrammesandtraining.Thosecompanieswhoreportedfewrecruitmentdifficultieswherehighprofile,well-knownbrandsorsmalldesignermakers.



Mostcompaniesdonotuserecruitmentagenciesforhelpwhenlookingforindustrialsewers,duetofailedattemptsandcosts.Manydid,howeverusedspecialisttextilesrecruitmentagenciesformanagerialpositionsandabove.TAPdevelopedapartnershipwith‘TheNorthernEmploymentServices’Thisorganisationworkedonthelatentskills‘TextilesTeashop’recruitmentcampaignwithfocusontherecruitmentofindustrialsewingmachinistandtextilesmanufacturingoperatives.4.3 IndustryImageTheimageofthetextilesindustryremainspoor,potentialentrants-particularlyschoolleaver’sandtheirparentsstillthinkintermsof‘sweat-shops’,andarenotawareoftherangeofjobsandcareeropportunities.Employersarekeentoraiseawarenessofthesectortocreateinterestanddemandfromteachers,pupilsandparents.However,theindustryismadeupofSMEsandmicrobusinesses.Companiesthissizecanrarelycommitthestaff,timeorresourcesrequired.Manufacturershavewelcomedtheco-ordinatedTAPapproach,whichhasenabledacollaboratedpromotionofthesector,careeropportunitiesandprogressionroutesatmajorandlocalskillsandcareerevents.ViathisapproachTAPhasreachedover300schoolsand15,000pupils,teachersandcareersadvisers.Thishasrekindledtheindustriesenthusiasminrelationtocareerandskillsevents,manycompaniesarekeentocontinueworkingwiththeTextilesShowcaseandPopupfactory.Employershaveexpressedconcernsabouttheshortageofupto-datesectorinformationandcareeradviceinschools,collegesandcareersorganisations.Thelackoftextilessubjectswithintheschoolcurriculumisalsoseentohaveadetrimentaleffectonthefuturegrowthofthesector.Teachersandschoolshavereportedaninterestinrevitalisingtheircurriculumtoincludetextiles.TAPrespondedtomanyrequestsandcarriedoutnumerousIndustrytalkswithinGMschools.TheschoolshighlighttheneedforindustrycollaborationandareinterestedinCompanyvisits,demonstrationsandsectorroundtableevents.4.4 SkillsProvisionEmployersreportalackofclearinformationaboutqualifications,trainingprogrammes,apprenticeshippathwaysandcareerstoencouragepeopletoenterthesector.Manufacturers(andretailers)statethatthe‘traditional’skillsproviderdeliverymodeldoesnotworkfortheindustryduetothediversityofjobsinthesector.Manufacturersadmittobeingconfusedbythemixoftrainingprovision,fundingsystems,businesssupportorganisationsetc.Manyreportbeingpassedformagencytoagencywhenmakingenquiriesleadingtofrustrationandeventuallygivingup.EmployersdonotseemtovaluethecurrentaccreditedtextilesqualificationatLevel2.Thetextilesandsewnproducttrailblazergroupshavenotsightedqualificationswithinthenewapprenticeshipstandards.Preferringamoreflexibleapproach.Duetoinsufficientvolumesoflearnersinspecificareasoflearning,providersfinditdifficulttomakedeliveryfeasible.



AwardingBodiesreportaconstantstruggletomaintainaccreditationandfundingforsectorspecificqualifications.CutstoAdultSkillsfundingmeansreducedhelpdevelopolderentrantsandadultreturnerstotheindustry.TheTAPIAGservicedealtwithnumerousenquiriesregardingapprenticeshipprovisionandsignpostingtotraining.TAPdirectedemployerstolocalcolleges,howeverincertainareas,employerscamebacktoTAPdisappointed.Reportingnegativeexperienceswhilsttryingtoengageiebeingpassedfromonedepartmenttoanother,speakingtouninformedstaff,beingdirectedtothewrongperson,awaitingunreturnedcalls,attendingunfruitfulmeetingsorawaitingrepresentativewhodidnotturnup.However,anumberofprovidershaverespondedtotheAllianceProjectresearchandemployerdemand.Creatingexcellentservicesandfacilitiesthatmeetboththeemployer’sandthelearnersneeds.Theyhaveworkedcloselywithindustry,beenflexibleintheirapproachandsourcedfundingtosupportthesectorspecificprogrammewherepossible.4.5InvestmentinskillsManufacturersstatethatthesector’sexpansionandnewjobscreatedbyinvestmentisdrivingdemandforskilledlabourfromentrytograduateroles.However,textilesfirmshaveapropensitytounder-investinskillsduetoaperceivedriskinlosingtrainedstafftolocalcompetitors.Skillsinfluencetheconfidencetoinvest.Retailersneedtoseeanincreaseinskillscapacityandcapabilitytogivethemthefaithtoplacelargeandsustainedorders.Thesectorcomprisesmostlyofmicro-sizefirmswithnomajor‘Primes’tosupportinvestment.Theapprenticeshiplevywillalsohavelimitedinfluenceoninvestmentduetotheindustrydemographics,againwiththelackoflargemanufacturersthatmeetthelevycriteria,significantinvestmentisunlikelyto‘trickle-down’thesupplychain.GovernmentcutstoAdultSkillsfundingmeansprovidersareoftennotabletosupplyfundedtrainingtohelpdevelopnewentrantsandadultreturners.Trainingdeliverymustbeviabletotheproviderandinmanycasesthebespoketrainingrequiredcanonlybedeliveredasacommercialpackage.TAPhasrecognisedinvestmentintextilesskillsashavinga‘doubledividend’fortheeconomy;itwillhelpemployersraiseproductivity,aswellassupporting‘place-based’workforcedevelopment–benefittingresidentsinareaswheretheeconomyneedsrebalancingawayfrompublicsectoremployment,andtoaddressstubbornlevelsoflowskillandeconomicactivity.5.Recommendations

Anationalskillsstrategyforthefashionandtextilessectoriscrucialtosupportsectorgrowth.Thisisagreedbybothmanufacturersandretailers.Actionsinrelationtotherecommendationsbelowshouldbeincludedwithinthisstrategy.5.1 Skillsgapsandshortages

Manufacturers,retailersandbrandsneedtomakealong-termcommitmentinsupportingtheskillsthatmanufacturersneed.Givingthemanufacturerstheconfidencetoinvestinskills.



Thenumberofskilledentrantsintotextilesneedstobeincreasedifthecurrentworkforcesizeistoberetainedinfuture.Thedeliveryofanationalrecruitmentcampaign,basedonthesuccessfuloftheGMTextilesTeashopRecruitmentCampaignpilotisrequired.UtilisingtheTVandmediainterest,withfocusonaddressingtheimmediateskillsneedsandfillingcurrentjobsvacancieswhilstidentifyingandtrainingapprenticestomeetfutureskillsdemand.SMEsandmicrobusinessneedsupportinrelationtoCAD/CAMaccess.Schemestofundsuchfacilitieswouldallowbusinesstoaccelerategrowth,usingthesesystemstospeedupproductionandenhancetechnicalskills.Providerscouldintroducesharedfacilityschemesalignedwiththeappropriateapprenticeshipprogrammes,offeringtrainingandsupportaspartofthefundedpackage.Toreducetheperceivedriskonbusinesswhenemployingayoungperson,supportedworktrials,wagesubsidiesandemployabilityprogramsshouldbeputinplace.ThiscouldincludetheuseofIntermediateLabourMarketsforApprenticeships–amodelwhichhasworkedinManchester’sconstructionsector.Therisksofworkforcedevelopmentshouldbesharedacrosstheindustryincludingretailers.ThereispotentialtousetheApprenticeshipLevyfromlargemanufacturersintheindustryandfromothersectorstosupportthis.TheSewingAcademydeliverymodelneedtobereplicatedacrosstheUKandsimilarfacilitiestoaddressskillsshortageintextilesmanufactureshouldbedeveloped.Moreengineeringprovidersshouldbeencouragedtodeveloptextilesmachinemaintenanceprogrammes,marketingthemastextilespecificandencouragingone-manbusinessesinmachinemaintenancetoemployapprentices.Ahigh-profilelaunchandmarketingcampaignforthenewapprenticeshipsstandardsforsewnproductsandtextilesmanufacturingisrecommended.Alongsideadedicatedwebsitemanagedandmaintainedbyarecognisedtextilesstakeholderorganisation.TheTextilesJobsandSkillswebsiteshouldbeupdatednationalisedandfullyutilised.Thissophisticatedresourcehasthepotentialtoprovideanall-inclusiveone-stop-shopserviceprovidingIAGthatwillensureemployersgettherightinformation,aredirectedtotherightprovisionandsupportedthroughouttheirquest.Itwillhoweverneedtobemanagedandmaintainedbyacommittedtextilesstakeholderorganisation.5.2 RecruitmentandretentionAnational,highprofilemarketingcampaignisrequired.Includingadvertisingontelevisionandasocialmediapromotionalexercise.Buildingonthe‘MadeinEngland’premiseandutilisingbignameretailers,brandsandtheartisanangle.Thedeliveryofanationalrecruitmentcampaign,basedonthesuccessfuloftheGMTextilesTeashopRecruitmentCampaignpilot.UtilisingtheTVandmediainterest,withfocusonaddressingtheimmediateskillsneedsandfillingcurrentjobsvacancieswhilstidentifyingandtrainingapprenticestomeetfutureskillsdemand.WorkwithselectedRecruitmentAgenciesandJobCentrePlustoinformtheTextilesskillsandjobswebsite,workinpartnershiponthenationalrecruitmentcampaignanddevelopregionaldatabasesofcurrentandpotentialtalent.Developakitemarkedinductionprogramme,designedtoretaintheinterestandenthusiasmofnewsectorrecruits.Followedbyakitemarkedsystematictrainingprogramme,designedtotaketrainees



throughascheduleoflearningdevelopedtohelpthemreachbreakevenperformanceintheshortestpossibletime.De-risktheemploymentofyoungpeoplebyintroducingwagesubsidies,recruitmentexpertiseandshort-termexternalemployeesupport.5.3 IndustryImageWorkinpartnershipwithemployersandcareerorganisationstodevelopanationalcampaigntargetingschools,colleges,parentsandteacherstoraisetheindustryprofile.Includingthepromotionofthesector,industrygrowthandtechnicalprofile,highlightinglocalandglobalcareers,jobsandopportunities.Developalearningpackageofresources,designedinlinewithnationalcurriculumandOfstedFrameworks.Thatcanbedeliveredinpartnershipbyschoolsandindustry.Governmentmustencouragebetterengagementbetweenindustryandschools,andpromotebothvocationalandacademicstudywithpathwaysontopostdoctoralresearchacrossallmanufacturing.ThiswillhelptopositionUKindustryasaleadingplaceforinnovationandhighvaluemanufacturing.Deliverthenationalrecruitmentcampaignandtheapprenticeshipcampaignmentionedintheprevioussections.ThecampaignpilotsweredeliveredinGMbutattractednationalTVandmedia,creatinganupliftinjobandapprenticeshipapplicationslocally.ThissuccesscanbereplicatedacrosstheUK.GovernmentandindustrysupportshouldalsoincludeIntermediateLabourMarketprogrammes,andadoptinggoodpracticeexamplesofworkingwithreturnerstothelabourmarket,e.g.FashionandTextilescoursesthathavebeendeliveredthroughtheOffenders’LearningandSkillsService.TheTextilesShowcaseandPopupfactoryneedstobedevelopedtorepresenttheindustryasthediverse,dynamic,modernhi-techsectoritis.TheshowcaseneedstoincreasefocusonTechnicalTextiles,Industrialweaving,spinning,finishing,andComputerAidedDesignandManufactureasfollows:

o TechnicalTextiles–Theshowcaseneedstohighlightandpromotecareersopportunitieswithinthishi-techsectorfurtherwithparticularfocusontextilesmanufacturedfornon-aestheticpurposes,suchasautomotiveapplications,medicaltextiles,geotextiles,agro-textiles,performancewear,andprotectiveclothing(e.g.,heatandradiationprotectionforfirefighterclothing,moltenmetalprotectionforwelders,stabprotectionandbulletproofvests,andspacesuits).o Industrialweavingisnotadequatelyrepresentedduetolackofresources.Thetableloomspromoteinterestandprovidedtheprincipleofweaving,howevertheydidnotexemplifycurrentindustrypractise.Asampleweavingmachineanddemonstratorsarerequiredinordertoenablestudentstoexperienceindustrialprocesseso Spinningandfinishingprocessesneedtobedemonstratedincludecurrentindustrialprocessessuchasring-spinning,air-jetandopen-endspinningdemonstratedviavideolinksandsupportedbysamplesofrawtoprocessedproductstellingthestoryoftheindustrialspinningandfinishingprocessesusedtoday.o ComputerAidedDesignandManufacture,asusedatvariousstagesintheapparelandtextileindustryneedstoberepresentedwithdemonstrationsandhands-onworkshopscoveringdesign,rangeplanning,prototyping,samplingandthepreproductionprocessesrelatedtomassproduction.ThiscanbedoneviaalaptopandscreenwithsimpleexercisesrelatedtodesignwhichwillinitiallygenerateinterestandleadtoawarenessofthebenefitsofCADCAMproductionprocesses.



5.4SkillsProvision

Government,manufacturingandretailersneedtocollaboratefurthertohelpdeveloptheindustry’sfullspectrumoftrainingandeducationneeds.Employershaveidentifiedthattheyneedacredibleindustryexpert(s),particularlyinrelationtothenewskillssystemsandtheapprenticeshipLevy.Thesectorneedshelptointerpret,co-ordinateandpromotetrainingacrossallindustry.ReplicatetheSewingAcademydeliverymodelacrosstheUKandcreatesimilarprovisiontoaddressskillsshortageintextilesmanufactureshouldbedeveloped.Providersneedtoworkinpartnershipwithindustrytoidentifyclustersofbespoketrainingneedsacrosskeyregions,aimingtoidentifyviablelearnernumberswhichinturncouldaddressthe‘lowlearnernumber’barrierandcreateafeasibledeliverymodelcoveringnichesectorspecificskills.In-depthresearchisrequiredintothecurrentcapacityandcapabilityoffashionandtextilesprovidersacrosstheUK.Thisneedstobeinlinewiththelaunchofthenewapprenticeshipstandards.Growthefashionandtextilesprovidernetworkandensurecurrentprovidershaveaccesstoguidanceandsupportinrelationtotherequirementsofthenewapprenticeshipstandards,thenewfundingmechanismsandemployernegotiations.EstablishaFoundationstudyyearthatfullyintegrateswiththenewstandards,enablingstudentstodirectlyaccessdegree-levelFashionandTextileTechnologyeducation.SupportandencourageuniversitiestodevelopaTextiles/ClothingManufactureApprenticeshipdegree.Promotedigitalskillswithinallareasoffashionandtextileslearning.Thisisvitaltoensuretheworkforceisequippedtotakeadvantageofnewtechnologiesassociatedwith‘Industry4.0’.Promotetheuseoftheapprenticeshiplevyacrossindustry,andensureitisusedtofull-effect.In-workprogressionthroughhigheranddegreeapprenticeshipswillnotonlyincreaseproductivityofthefashionandtextilesindustry,butalsohaveapull-througheffectintheworkforce,openingupentry-levelopportunitiesforindividuals.5.4 Investmentinskills

ManufacturerswantretailerstoinvestintheskillsoftheUKtextilesworkforce.Thisistheissuewhichallpartiesarefurthestawayfromsolving.Thisshouldbealong-terminvestmentbymanufacturersandretailers-inreturnthiswillprovidegreatercapacityandsupplierresilience.ManufacturersaresupportiveoftheideaofdevelopingaGlobalCentreofExcellenceinTextilesInnovation,whichcouldactasacentralhubfortheindustry(andotherCentresofspecialism),andbringtogetherthedifferentdisciplinesofmanufacturing,fashion&productdesign,fashionmarketingandretail,materialsciences,textilesmachineryandtechnology.

Documents

The Alliance Project Textiles Careers & Skills Report · The Alliance Project: Career & Skills Report 2 CELIA THORNLEY ALLIANCE PROJECT HEAD OF SKILLS Content 1. Executive Summary