MADE IT
The MADE IT programme has been developed to enrich the production and sourcing knowledge of our graduates and to illustrate the wealth of technical and creative roles available throughout the supply chain.
Government statistics show manufacturing employment in the UK is on the rise for first time in decades and investment is the highest it has been for many years. However, there is consistent evidence to demonstrate some significant skills gaps in and around manufacturing.
The UK fashion and textile industry needs new, highly skilled people on machines and in a variety of production roles. At the same time new candidates entering into design, development and production-related roles, and those setting up businesses, must have the crucial manufacturing and sourcing knowledge that is required for success.
The Made It project was piloted in 2017 with the kind support of Marks and Spencers and has continued using the leanings from the pilot with the generous support of The Clothworkers’ Company and CapitB Trust.
How it works
UKFT works with five universities each year to deliver the programme, which includes:
- MADE IT Production and Sourcing Masterclass
The masterclass is delivered to each participating university, by industry expert Daliah Hearn. The masterclass offers students an in-depth understanding of Production and Sourcing for the fashion and textiles industry, from a global perspective and with a closer focus on UK sourcing. - MADE IT Production Internship
One student from each participating university also receives the opportunity of a two-month paid internship within a UK production environment to provide real-life manufacturing and sourcing experience.
Get Involved
Universities must be Education Partners to be included in the programme. The programme is aimed at students in their second year of study from a range of fashion and textile courses.
If you would like your university to be involved in MADE IT or for more information please get in touch info@ukft.org.
“The MADE IT experience made me so much more aware of how the industry works and the information you need to know and deliver to come out with the product that you want. It makes you realise how every step of the process is extremely important and anything that is compromised affects the whole process and the end result.”
Natalie Slater, University of Salford working with Sour Grape
“The UK has some of the best design graduates in the world and some of the most talented manufacturers – MADE IT brings them together. The project will help to ensure the success of the next generation in understanding the business of fashion, which is a fundamental part of UKFT’s purpose. This is critical whether you are developing a new brand, working with manufacturers or growing your business overseas.”
Nigel Lugg, Chairman, UKFT
“I don’t think you could have chosen a more perfect production team for me, so I thank you for that.”
Molly Mann, Falmouth University working with Discovery Knitting
“Understanding this process not only helps the designer design a better garment that is both commercial and possible to manufacture efficiently, but it helps push the boundaries of traditional manufacturing too, bringing new ideas to the forefront and allowing greater development.”
Jess Mcguire-Dudley, Marketing & Design Director, John Smedley
“It taught me how fashion works from the inside. The way she explained where brands get materials and manufacturing done made me more aware of how business side of fashion works.”
Karl-Kevin Kljavin, Bucks New University
“The masterclass offered invaluable insight into sourcing, the importance of strong relationships with manufacturers and the supply chain process.”
Charlotte Farmer, De Montfort University
“The masterclass has changed the way I think about the fashion industry, and has helped me to make some changes to my own business.”
Bridget Bimha, Plymouth College of Art
“I wish I left university with the pack and information presented at the masterclass.”
Sharon Williams, Teaching Fellow, Fashion & Textile Design at Winchester School of Art
“It’s great to know that we still have such a rich mix of manufacturers in the UK.”
Aurora Dickson, University of Salford
Masterclasses & Internship Stories
Made It Quality Internship Collateral
As part of the MADE IT programme UKFT is working with students and employers to develop two sets of publicly-available resources that aim to raise the quality and expectations of internships across the UK fashion and textile industry.
- Quality Internship collateral for students
With the aim of showing them what a quality internship should look like. - Quality Internship collateral for employers
Including frameworks for good quality delivery of an internship, example schemes of work and positive case studies.
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