HARINGEY HAS LAUNCHED the first Fashion Technology Academy, with a mesmerising catwalk show last week.
Over 200 people each year will gain the opportunity to do a paid apprenticeship and gain the professional skills required for the fashion industry.
Fashion Enter, the business enterprise which runs the academy produces almost 400,000 garments a year for brands including Marks & Spencer, ASOS, Finery and Tesco. The academy includes a working factory and fashion studio.
Haringey Council provided The Fashion Technology Academy (FTA) £570, 000 of investment to help them convert a derelict industrial unit into a state-of-the-art garment factory and teaching space.
The academy aims to provide 4000 qualifications within the next four years for local residents and those wanting to enter the fashion industry.
Cllr Joe Goldberg, Haringey Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Social inclusion and Sustainability said:
“It’s fantastic that Haringey, with our proud textile heritage, is once again demonstrating our place at the heart of Britain’s small scale manufacturing boom by attracting nationally unique businesses such as Fashion Enter to the area.
It’s clear that our economic development strategy is succeeding in showcasing Haringey as a desirable borough for innovative and important businesses to set up shop in. This is both proving a catalyst to further investment in the area as well as providing better employment and professional training opportunities for local people.”
The launch of the Fashion Technology Academy celebrated with a fashion show and award ceremony that showcased 10 up-and-coming British-based designers.
By 2019 the FTA will be able to train more than 1,000 people per year in NVQ qualifications ranging from fashion design, to all aspects of garment production, filling a skills gap identified by the British Fashion Council.
Jenny Holloway, Director at Fashion Enter said: commented:
“We really believe that the Fashion Technology Academy is the single most important initiative we have ever undertaken. We will be able to help thousands of people gain real work based skills that will lead to employment. With the on-shoring of garment manufacturing that is occurring now the timing of the Fashion Technology Academy is perfect. Our sincere gratitude to Haringey Council, ASOS and DWP for their overwhelming support.”
The launch of the FTA was supported by Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, whose player Alex Pritchard handed out awards at the event.
Alex said: “Coming through the Tottenham Hotspur Academy, I understand the importance of apprenticeships for young people who know which career path they want to take. It was great to meet the young apprentices and see the projects they are currently working on. I wish the m the best of luck with their careers.”