A new Fashion and Textiles Centre at Gower College Swansea will enable students to hone their skills on industry standard equipment that will set them in good stead when applying for jobs within the profession.
Thanks to a £150,000 funding boost from Welsh Government, the new facility at the Llwyn y Bryn (Uplands) campus will be used by students on a range of art and design related courses,
“We’re really excited by the creative possibilities opened up to our students by the installation of this new equipment at Llwyn y Bryn,” says Curriculum Leader Elinor Franklin. “They can access a laser cutter, a Mimaki textiles printer, industrial embroidery and sewing machines, pattern cutting software and Gerber grading equipment. In addition, we have blind hemming machines, Lectra design software, a MAC suite, a ceramics printer and heat press, large pattern cutting tables and a bank of industry mannequins.”
From September, the College will offer a brand new Foundation Degree in Fashion and Textile Design.
“This is where the new facility will really come into its own,” adds Elinor. “This course is all about developing the practical skills necessary to pursue a career within the fashion and textile industries and has design and production skills at the core of all projects. We are now able to offer students the very best in cutting edge technology at the Llwyn y Bryn campus.”
Also on the horizon is the launch of a Level 2 Fashion and Textiles apprenticeship which will be delivered in partnership with Red Dragon Flagmakers and will see students spending one day a fortnight at the Fashion and Textiles Centre.