It is no secret that textile manufacturing in the UK went into steep decline in the latter part of the 20th century. As a consequence many jobs and associated skills were lost. Not long ago buoyant companies would encourage young staff to undertake day release courses in order to improve their knowledge and qualifications. Closure of these companies has resulted in a massive reduction in the need for courses dealing in traditional textile manufacturing issues.
At the same time globalisation of the fashion trade; offshore garment manufacture and the global marketplace has permitted those college/university departments with vision to diversify and allow their courses to develop in such a way as to provide attractive opportunities for vocational courses to those wishing to work in the global fashion village. Emphasis has changed from manufacture to marketing, hard technology to information technology.
Nevertheless numerous technical innovations still emanate from the UK annually . The skills necessary to secure the future of these innovations need to be nurtured and should be catered for through specialised courses.
This paper is being offered by someone with a traditional textile background and who for many years has been involved in the development and delivery of courses at all levels in a variety of textile , clothing and fashion institutions. It presents the results of research into the change in emphasis of textile and related courses over the past 25 years and offers informed suggestions as to the future of education in this sector
By: Helen D Rowe
Submit Date: 11/11/2002 20:00