On 15th January, Fashion Hub Leicester (part of the Fashion Technology Academy) held its third bespoke Upcycling and Stitching masterclass aligned with Twin Employment and Training‘s mission: To empower individuals with practical, employable skills while fostering sustainability and creativity. 

Fashion Hub Leicester is currently delivering two, 3-hour sessions a month to participants, referred by Twin Group, wanting to explore skills, training and employment options in the fashion and textile sector.

During the session attendees are taught essential stitching techniques, upcycling principles, and the value of transforming pre-loved garments into functional or stylish items. Participants leave, not just with their handmade product, but with knowledge and skills that could enhance their employability, inspire further creative pursuits, and instil confidence in sustainable practices. 

Divya Kamath, Assistant Manager at the Fashion Hub said: “It was great to see so much interest in our  stitching and fashion courses. This workshop funded by Twin Group is really helping the participants explore the options in fashion and textiles and getting them interested in achieving new skills. 

“In this group, hardly any of the individuals had any fashion and stitching experience, and couple had zero knowledge of this sector, however, they were all open minded to explore and learn more. By end of workshop all the participants wanted to sign up for more courses with us. Through UKSPF funding and Skills Bootcamp funding we are lucky to accommodate more learners on our courses and provide them with employability skills and build their confidence to get into work.” 

Harry Singh, Employment Services Consultant at Twin Group added: “I had lovely experience at Fashion-Enter’s Hub in Leicester. The whole team and the training atmosphere is very friendly. Teaching methods are excellent as everything is explained with full details from the staff members. Would love to work together and send more candidates to gain knowledge about the clothing industry and gain employment.” 

Mathew Maddison, Employment Engagement Officer at Twin Group said: “Thank you for a fantastic event and for inspiring the learners that attended, they loved their outfits and accessories that they got to make and keep, the session also bought them closer together as a team of learners, so they made new friends and connections and gained an inspiring insight into a potential new career.

“All of your team were extremely fun and helpful and the items we made were useful for showing new learners what can be achieved and gained further interest for your next session that we are VERY much looking forward to on Wednesday.”

One of the candidate’s participating in the workshop – Billy Keen said: “I have always been curious on how to make my own clothes and when Twin Group referred me for this workshop I felt my dream had come true. This workshop really inspired me and showed me how accessible the fashion industry  can be with opportunities like this. A great work environment plus very kind and knowledgeable teachers ensured a great place to learn and develop some incredible skills. I’m now signing up for the Level 1 Stitching course with them.”

For further information on courses, workshops and services at the Fashion Hub Leicester please contact: divya@fashion-enter.com