Welcome to this special edition of my Managing Director’s Update. As we celebrate our 50th year, this extended edition brings together key sector updates, upcoming events, international engagement and the start of National Apprenticeship Week.
As an industry-owned, not-for-profit organisation, our purpose remains clear: to support the manufacturing sector through collaboration, knowledge sharing and bespoke high-quality training – with all profits reinvested to support the sector. So grab a cup of tea, set aside 10 minutes and have a look over these updates carefully curated for you.
National Apprenticeship Week – Funded Apprenticeships, Upcoming Cohorts and Employer Benefits explained
Today marks the start of National Apprenticeship Week, a vital opportunity to recognise the role apprenticeships play in developing skills, retaining knowledge and strengthening the long-term resilience of our sector.
At TCoE, apprenticeships are central to our mission. Apprenticeships aren’t just for new employees, they are the perfect way to upskill existing staff. Alongside the many benefits, employers do not need to pay any Employer National Insurance contributions for apprentices under 25 saving thousands of pounds. Best of all, depending on your company size, apprenticeships are either fully funded or 95% funded.
We are proud to be the only training provider in the UK delivering the Textile Manufacturing Operative and Textile Technical Specialist Apprenticeships. Our next cohort begins on Tuesday 24th February, alongside a new intake for our Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship. If you are considering developing skills within your business, now is an excellent time to engage with these apprenticeships or our range of other apprenticeships including Customer Service, Business Administrator and Team Leader.
With more than 6,000 apprentices trained, TCoE is a trusted and long-established apprenticeship provider for the sector. National Apprenticeship Week also provides an opportunity to highlight the success of our bespoke Level 3 Advanced Upholstery Apprenticeship programme with Bentley Motors, supporting the development of highly skilled craftspeople within one of the UK’s most prestigious automotive manufacturers – more information in our article here.
I would also like to congratulate George Turner, Team Leader Apprentice at Wooltex, our Learner of the Month for January – an excellent example of apprenticeship success in practice.
International Trade & Collaboration – SheTrades India and Sri Lanka
Many of our member companies will be attending this Trade event on Thursday 12 February which brings together senior leaders from across the globe as well as 17 exceptional women-led businesses across spices, processed agrifood, textiles and apparel, providing opportunities to build international partnerships and strengthen trade links.
If you haven’t signed up yet, you still can register here.
HR Breakfast Briefing – excellent line-up confirmed
We are really excited to share details of our special HR Breakfast Briefing on Wednesday 25th February featuring a high-impact session designed for HR professionals and business leaders within the manufacturing sector.
This free event will deliver practical insight on HR compliance, Culture and People Management with guest speakers including CEO of Howarths – Gavin Howarth, Head of HR at AW Hainsworth – Charlotte Dudill and Specialist ADHD Coach – Caitlin Whitmore
Tickets are free and includes a free breakfast, networking opportunities and a Q&A for all your HR and employment needs – you can register here.
Celebrating Our Textile Heritage – A Look Back in Time
Huddersfield Textile Society have organised a fascinating evening exploring the history of textiles in the local area. This free event taking place at TCoE on Thursday 26 February and features film presentations by Ian Baxter, offering a unique insight into the region’s textile past.
Book your free place here.
Circular Textiles – A New Chapter for Thread Republic
Huddersfield-based circular textile social enterprise Thread Republic CIC will be leaving the Piazza Shopping Centre after three and a half years in the town centre.
There is still time to visit the space, purchase donated fabrics at a fraction of the price and additionally you are invited to two free events:
Textile mending social & book event with the authors of new publication: Stitch It Don’t Ditch it, an essential repair guide. Monday 23 February, 6pm – 8pm.
Goodbye Piazza Party: A celebration, story collection, exhibition & stitch social, Saturday 28 March, 3.30pm – 6.30pm.
Full details and booking information are available at www.threadrepublic.co.uk
Textiles of Tomorrow – Manufacturing Resilience Forum
I am pleased to share that I will be speaking at the Manufacturing Resilience Forum on Tuesday 24th March at Nexus, Leeds.
I will be contributing to the Textiles of Tomorrow Workshop, sharing insights and facilitating discussion around innovation, sustainability, supply chain management and future skills.
This must-attend forum brings together leaders, innovators and experts from across the UK manufacturing sector to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping resilience in our industry, from supply chains, AI adoption and sustainability. It also serves as an essential networking opportunity for member companies and spaces are limited to manufacturers only.
If you haven’t registered already, you can register here or get in touch with me for a limited exclusive discount code.
Our Members – 50 Years of Supporting the Sector
As a reminder, TCoE members benefit from discounted training rates, free job vacancy advertising, opportunities to access sector-related funding streams and get a vote at our AGM to help shape the future direction of the Centre. You can view the full list of membership benefits here.
Members are also authorised to use the TCoE Member Logo across letterheads, email signatures, websites and social media. To mark our 50th anniversary, we have created a special commemorative version of the logo, available to download here.
Most importantly, thank you for your continued engagement and support. If you would like to discuss your skills needs, apprenticeships or membership, or any of the opportunities highlighted above, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
