Calderdale College is set to launch a groundbreaking apprenticeship training course for textile engineering technicians in West Yorkshire, marking a significant revival in the local and UK-wide textile industry.
Partnering with the Textile Centre of Excellence (TCoE) and the British Textile Machinery Association (BTMA), the college has developed a customized Level 3 apprenticeship course, commencing in September 2023. The program aims to equip Engineering Technician apprentices with the essential engineering maintenance skills required to bridge the skills gap prevalent in West Yorkshire's textile sector.
Despite its historical prominence in the 19th century, the region faces challenges today, including an aging workforce and high staff turnover. However, the industry is undergoing revitalization through digitalization and localized supply chains. To address the current demands of the industry, the apprenticeship course has been tailored to transfer vital knowledge and practices aligned with Industry 4.0 and automation.
The development of the program has been a collaborative effort involving Calderdale College, TCoE, BTMA, British heritage weaver AW Hainsworth, and several other local textile companies. This initiative follows the success of the Collaborative Apprenticeships project introduced in 2022, which has engaged over 100 local employers in promoting apprenticeships and their benefits.
Claire Williams, head of employer engagement at Calderdale College, emphasized the significance of tailored apprenticeships for industries, leading to a steady flow of skilled workers and enhanced staff retention. The unique course is expected to fill current and future skills gaps in the industry, bringing together textile and engineering expertise. It has garnered considerable interest from apprentices and employers alike.
Jason Kent, CEO of the British Textile Machinery Association, stressed the importance of collaboration, ensuring the course's success, and providing promising career paths for young individuals while bolstering the sector with technical expertise.
The launch of this pioneering apprenticeship program signifies a crucial step in resurging the local textile industry and serving as a model for other sectors to follow. The course aims to shape a new generation of skilled professionals to drive the industry forward amidst the challenges and opportunities presented by modernization and automation.
