Run by social enterprise Fashion Enter, the learning environment is claimed to have the potential to train over 1,000 people each year, helping them work towards qualifications in pattern making, fabric inspection, laying and cutting, quality control, machine maintenance and stitching.
The venture, which is based in a 5,000 sq ft unit in North London, is aimed at addressing the skills shortage faced by UK garment manufacturers struggling to cope with an upturn in fortunes with more buyers choosing ‘Made in Britain’.
It has been backed by high street retailer ASOS and has secured more than £500,000 of investment from Haringey Council and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), plus personal funds from director Jenny Holloway to get it up and running.
Holloway said: “We really believe that the Fashion Technology Academy is the single most important initiative we have ever undertaken, providing 1,000 people with work-based skills that will lead to employment.”
She added: “With the growth in on-shoring of garment manufacturing there is no better time to launch the FTA. It’s a real collaboration between many partners and we have to thank Haringey Council and the DWP for their financial backing… it has made the vision a reality.”
The Fashion Technology Academy (FTA) is an extension of the ASOS.com Stitching Academy. It is the first apparel manufacturing training academy in the country to operate alongside a live factory environment, ensuring students gain exposure to real manufacturing while training for their Level 1 qualification.
