UKFT is committed to ensuring the next generation is equipped with the very latest skills, enabling the UK fashion and textiles industry to thrive. Education Partners is a UKFT membership for universities, colleges and training providers designed to bring industry and education closer together.

As the government appointed Sector Skills Body for fashion and textiles, UKFT plays a crucial role in delivering a pipeline of skilled entrants into employment in the sector.

Membership offers institutions the opportunity to access unique benefits including:

• Discounted rates for UKFT training, including the UKFT Academic Masterclasses programme
• Access to UKFT’s various funded internship opportunities
• Access to UKFT’s Associate Members including specialists in areas such as fashion law, logistics, intellectual property and fashion production software
• Support for industry-related innovation centres, projects and research – including contributing to funding bids, steering committees and discussions; co-ordinating industry groups and promoting activity and findings
• Online member-only assets including colour forecasting for textiles
• Regular industry news together with multiple colleague sign up
• Academic bulletin covering the changing landscape of qualifications and apprenticeships, Brexit updates and calendar of industry shows and events
• Exclusive rates for consultancy services from the UKFT Skills and Training team including Levy advice, information and advice on national and regional skills gaps, advice on industry recognised qualifications, development days re short courses and bootcamps, advice for new providers or those new to the industry
• Opportunities to influence our conversations at UKFT’s regular Awarding Organisation forum
• OFSTED inspection support
• Select promotion to wider UKFT membership
• Advice on industry engagement with a local focus
• Links to UKFT members e.g. for industry speakers or placement opportunities

For more information and to apply to join the largest network of organisations in the fashion and textile industry: membership@ukft.org