We were delighted to support Textile Futures 2026 at the University of Huddersfield, joining industry leaders, educators and businesses from across West Yorkshire to inspire the next generation of textile talent.

The event brought together schools, employers and sector specialists to showcase the diverse range of opportunities available within the textile industry and highlight the innovation driving the sector forward.

As part of our 50th anniversary celebrations, the Textile Centre of Excellence proudly sponsored the 2026 Industry Innovators Zone, welcoming industry partners including Burberry, Camira, AW Hainsworth, Roaches International, Emma Brackenbury Costume and Arville Textiles.

The event welcomed 130 attendees, including 100 young people from high schools across West Yorkshire, providing students with the opportunity to engage directly with businesses and gain valuable insights into the wide variety of career pathways available within the sector, from manufacturing and engineering to design, sustainability and technical textiles.

The impact of the event was evident in the feedback received from attendees. One student commented, “I didn’t know apprenticeships existed and I will definitely now look into them,” while another described Textile Futures as “the best careers event they had ever attended.”

A particular highlight of the day was hearing from the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, and our Managing Director, Shahban Aziz, who both delivered inspiring speeches on the importance of investing in skills, supporting young people and championing the future of textiles across the region.

Commenting on the event, Shahban Aziz said:

“We are proud to sponsor this landmark event, which informs and inspires the next generation into this amazing sector. With manufacturing facing an ageing workforce, we were able to showcase the breadth and depth of the sector, from fashion and traditional textiles to advanced manufacturing and weaving Kevlar.

“As the sole provider nationally of a number of specialist manufacturing apprenticeships, the success of the event cannot be understated. Ninety-four per cent of school attendees had never visited a university fashion or textile department before, and 90 per cent said they would like to attend Textile Futures again next year.

“Thank you to all our amazing member companies who attended and made this event a success, as well as to the Clothworkers’ Company for their continuous support for education in schools, to Mayor Tracy Brabin and Sharon Le Goff from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, and to Julia Roebuck and the many experts who made this event possible.”

Events such as Textile Futures play a vital role in connecting education with industry, helping to develop the skilled workforce needed to support the continued growth and success of the sector.

We would like to thank all of the organisers, speakers, volunteers and industry partners who contributed to making the event such a success. It was fantastic to see so many young people exploring the exciting possibilities that a career in textiles can offer.

We are proud to support initiatives that nurture future talent and strengthen the textile industry in West Yorkshire and beyond.

To find out more about how the Textile Centre of Excellence supports the sector, or to learn more about apprenticeship opportunities, please contact Shahban Aziz at shahbanaziz@tcoe.co.uk.