At the Textile Centre of Excellence, we’re proud to help learners and Yorkshire-based businesses develop practical, hands-on skills through our industry-leading Skills Bootcamps.

Now in its second round of funding, the programme is part-funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and locally managed by Kirklees Council. This ensures more individuals and businesses have the chance to gain essential skills and real-world knowledge in textile manufacturing.

Our Textile Manufacturing Skills Bootcamps give participants an unparalleled opportunity to follow the complete production journey – from sourcing raw wool through processing, manufacturing, quality control, and finishing. Classroom learning is complemented by 12 site visits to leading manufacturers, offering an authentic look at modern textile production.

For those aspiring to leadership roles, our Team Leaders & Supervisors Skills Bootcamp equips delegates with practical tools for communication, performance management, problem-solving, and team development. The programme helps businesses improve engagement, retention, and operational performance while preparing participants to excel in supervisory roles.

Since launching, over 120 learners have benefited from six Skills Bootcamps, with two more currently underway. The initiative supports both unemployed individuals and employed workers of all ages, providing the skills and experience that open doors to rewarding careers in textiles and beyond.

Martin Jenkins, Director of Training at TCoE, reflects on the programme’s success:
“Our Skills Bootcamps are designed to give learners knowledge and experience they can immediately apply in the workplace. The demand has been phenomenal, with both courses being over-subscribed – a clear sign of the appetite for practical, industry-focused training.”