This week, 10th – 16th February, the spotlight is on apprenticeships, and the theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2025 is ‘Skills For Life’.

Fashion-Enter Ltd (FEL) is an apprenticeship provider for the fashion and textile industry and we currently have a cohort of six apprentices on the Level 4 Product Technologist Standard with NEXT. The 26-month long programme combines on-the-job training with further industry experience and learning from a provider such as FEL.

FEL CEO Jenny Holloway said: “You cannot teach the world of garment technology in a silo. Whilst we will cover all the KBS required there needs to be a holistic approach to training, and that means bringing all the learning together so there is deep understanding and embedded knowledge. 

“We are delighted with the progress of each apprentice in this group, and as the previous NEXT apprentices gained distinction’s it’s important that we continue to deliver the same high standards.”

On the 12th February Head of Education at FEL’s Fashion Technology Academy – Lan Leeder, took part in the NEXT Apprenticeship event at the retailer’s head office in Leicester. 

Lan commented: “This is a great event! I met with the apprentices for a quick catch-up, met some of their managers, and spoke to the other providers. It’s good to know that they are all enjoying the apprenticeship with us, and I look forward to working with them more.”

Apprentice Rachael said: “I’m enjoying the apprenticeship, I am looking forward to meeting new people and understanding how the system works.”

While apprentice Sophie added: “I enjoyed visiting the testing lab, and I’m looking forward to the enrichment activities we have planned for this year.”

In line with Apprenticeship Week NEXT has just released a Podcast interviewing two of their apprentices about their learning journey and the realities of balancing learning with work. One of the interviewees, Antonia (pictured below left) is currently on our Apprenticeship programme as a Fabric Technologist.

Tap here to view the YouTube Podcast NEXT: The Truth About Apprenticeships

Tap here to find out more about our apprenticeships

If you are an employer and would like to hire an apprentice tap here