Fashion Impact Fund Grant Recipient:
Fashion Technology Academy - Stitching and Upcycling
London, United Kingdom
Organization: Fashion Technology Academy (operated by Fashion Enter Ltd)
Website: fcfta.com
Location: London, United Kingdom
Program Focus: Garment repair, sewing skills, and upcycling training
Participants Trained: 15
Program Duration: 4 days | February 13–16, 2023
The Fashion Impact Fund provided a grant to support a workforce education program delivered by the Fashion Technology Academy, the training academy operated by Fashion Enter Ltd, an ethical garment manufacturing social enterprise based in London. The grant supported the Stitching and Upcycling Course, a practical training program designed to introduce participants to garment construction, repair techniques, and upcycling methods while building foundational sewing and production skills.
“The Fashion Technology Academy, operated by Fashion Enter Ltd, demonstrates how manufacturing aligned training can strengthen the future workforce of the fashion industry. Through the support of the Fashion Impact Fund, programs like the Stitching and Upcycling course help introduce participants to garment production skills while building the talent pipeline needed to support ethical manufacturing in the United Kingdom.”
— Kerry Bannigan, Founder, Fashion Impact Fund
Education
The Stitching and Upcycling Course provides practical instruction in garment repair and sewing techniques. Participants learn how to take accurate measurements, thread and operate industrial sewing machines, and understand the stitches and tensions used in garment construction.
The program also introduces fabric cutting techniques, sleeve construction, pattern use, and garment alteration, allowing participants to gain hands-on experience while developing an understanding of how clothing is made and adapted.
Workforce
The course prepares participants with foundational sewing and garment repair skills that can support entry into fashion production roles or further technical training. By combining hands-on instruction with industry-informed teaching, the program provides participants with the skills needed to begin exploring professional pathways within the fashion and apparel sector.
Participants completing the course may progress to additional training opportunities, including the Level 2 Fashion and Textiles certification delivered by the Fashion Technology Academy.
Manufacturing
By strengthening foundational garment construction skills, the program contributes to building the technical workforce required to support ethical garment manufacturing in the United Kingdom. Training initiatives such as this help develop the skills pipeline needed to sustain local production and responsible manufacturing practices within the fashion industry.
Impact
The program ran for four days and supported 15 participants in developing foundational sewing, repair, and upcycling skills. Through practical instruction and hands-on garment production exercises, participants gained technical understanding and confidence that could support further training and future workforce opportunities within the fashion sector.
GRANT RECIPIENT
Jenny Holloway
Jenny Holloway is the founder of Fashion Enter Ltd and Fashion Capital. With more than thirty-five years of experience in the fashion industry, she has developed Fashion Enter Ltd into a leading social enterprise supporting ethical garment manufacturing and workforce training across the United Kingdom.
Through the Fashion Technology Academy, she has created programs that equip participants with practical production skills while strengthening the talent pipeline needed to support responsible manufacturing within the fashion industry.
“Working with the Fashion Impact Fund grant, we were able to offer free places to 15 participants for the popular Stitching and Upcycling course. This program provides an entry point into garment construction skills and opens pathways to further technical training and employment opportunities within the fashion industry.”
