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jordanoutlet - Skills shortage of Mulberry Stitch
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Skills shortage of Mulberry Stitch The sector is suffering from a shortage of people with manufacturing skills, she says, and that is where the money should be directed. "What businesses desperately need are people with specific practical skills such as sewing machinists, knitters, weavers and pattern-cutters." Even where these skills are being taught, it is not always in the best environment. It is very difficult, she says, for colleges to offer up-to-date machinery and a realistic work setting. "The existing training system presumes that skills are best taught in a classroom environment, but employers tell us that practical skills are often better taught on their premises, in a working environment." Mulberry, founded in Somerset in 1971, is determined to keep 30% of its production in the UK. To stave off a looming recruitment crisis, it decided 18 months ago to set up apprenticeships. The four local schools Scott approached gave him a warm reception; teachers were delighted somebody was giving students an attractive alternative to university. The hours and the pay - £151 a week, rising to £270 on completion of the 18-month apprenticeship - were better than young people would get in, for instance, retailing. Fifty eight applied for the first 10 traineeships on offer. "I wanted to be using my hands; I didn't want to be sitting in a classroom," says Amy Budds, 18, one of five women in the first intake. She is certain her decision to leave after a year of sixth form and not go to university was the right one. Budds agrees that too many young people want to be fashion designers rather than get stuck into learning manufacturing skills. "For me, taking a part in manufacturing the bags is more rewarding than designing them. My friends didn't understand what I was doing. As a factory worker, I've got more skills than they have. The ones who've done design qualifications are probably working in TopShop." |
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