Scottish textile industry launches apprenticeship programme

14 Nov '11

2 min read

Large textile manufacturers in Hawick, a town in the Scottish Borders of southeast Scotland, have initiated a new textiles apprenticeship scheme called Skillset Apprenticeship programme to hire and provide training to the youth willing to join the industry.

Through the programme, the major textile companies aim to ensure adequacy of skilled manpower in future as well as provide a great opportunity for those willing to pursue a career in the textile industry.

The programme is also aimed at mitigating the effects of job losses on the youth, and to set an example as to how far an effective apprenticeship scheme can help in sustenance and development of an industry, and is likely to be of great help in enhancing and imparting the traditional skills of the industry.

The scheme has been launched by the House of Cheviot and Scottish Borders Exporters' Association, with the help of Skillset and in association with other knitwear producers like Hawick Cashmere, Barrie, William Lockie and Co, Hawick Knitwear, Johnston's of Elgin, Peter Scott, Scott and Charters, and Borders firms Lochcarron, Caerlee Mills and Kearse and Boys.

Hawick, which has extended its total support to the scheme, said the textile industry of Scottish Borders is globally recognized and produces some of the world's best quality textile garments.

It added that the textile industry in Hawick town is highly accomplished one and involves the use of complex equipments and ground breaking techniques, which require the workers to undergo long training and experience.

According to Hawick, the scheme would greatly benefit the 12 participating textile firms in the form of fresh talent and enthusiasm that the new recruits would bring along.

The apprentices to whom training would be delivered would be chosen by the Job Centre, while Scottish Enterprise would extend organizational support. Meanwhile, a financial backing of £4,500 per apprentice has been promised by Skills Development Scotland.

Likewise, Cardonald College and the Scottish Textiles Academic Group (STAG) have agreed to provide academic support for assessors, trainers and apprentices.

Under the scheme, STAG has started imparting training to 20 trainers and 10 assessors needed by the association to start the programme with first 50 apprentices, whose recruitment process is going on.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

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