U.K. textile academy trains next generation

The Textiles Growth Programme, a U.K. initiative designed to support the country’s textile industry, has provided funding of £30,000 to establish a new textile academy in Keighley, West Yorkshire. The academy will be on the campus of Keighley College, an offshoot of Leeds City College. Colin Booth, CEO and principal of Leeds City College, says the academy is designed to provide the growing textiles industry with skilled people.

A four-week course will feature hands-on sessions with the latest industrial equipment as well as offering work experience  and teaching employability skills. It offers a range of textile equipment, including industrial cutting knives and sewing machines and a five-metre cutting table.

When students have finished the programme, they will be offered a job interview with a local employer. Students also have the option of entering a full apprenticeship.