Last week, the Textile Centre of Excellence took part in the Textile Futures event at the University of Huddersfield – an initiative designed to connect young people with the wide-ranging opportunities available in the UK textile and fashion industry.

The event welcomed students from secondary schools across the region, giving them the chance to explore the many career paths that exist within a modern, innovative and globally respected sector. From technical textiles and sustainable manufacturing to design and digital innovation, students were encouraged to think differently about the industry’s potential and their place within it.

Industry leaders and academic experts delivered a series of talks and interactive sessions throughout the day, offering valuable insight into their personal journeys and the evolving needs of the sector. These sessions helped students understand how the industry is responding to global challenges, embracing sustainability, and investing in technology – all while maintaining the rich heritage that underpins the UK textile landscape.

One of the standout aspects of the day was the collaboration between leading local businesses. By coming together, organisations demonstrated the strength and unity of the sector – and its collective commitment to nurturing future talent. It was clear that when education and industry work in partnership, young people gain a clearer picture of the real-world opportunities that await them.

The Textile Centre of Excellence is proud to support initiatives like Textile Futures, which not only promote the sector but actively help shape its future. Encouraging young minds to see textiles as a viable, exciting and future-facing career choice is essential to securing long-term success for the industry.

A special thanks goes to Julia Roebuck for her exceptional coordination and for inviting the Textile Centre of Excellence to be part of such a positive and purposeful event.