31 October 2006
A new centre for students who have ambitions to work in the world of fashion retail has been opened by Tony Blair.
The Fashion Retail Academy - based in the heart of London’s West End - is a government and private sector joint-initiative.
Its aim is to give young people the skills they need to break into what is a very competitive market place.
After being given a tour of the state-of-the-art facilities, Tony Blair said it was a "superb learning centre, with wonderful facilities, perfect for students with enthusiasm and flair".
Bhs and Arcadia Group boss Sir Philip Green decided to try and improve retail teaching after becoming frustrated by a lack of talent coming into the sector.
After talks with the PM, government and Stuart Rose at Marks and Spencer, the idea of a special academy was born. Retail giants GUS, Next and Tesco all agreed to come on board as sponsors too.
At the academy, the 220 students get the practical and vocational skills they need for the fast-paced world of fashion retail, with plenty of chances to experience life at the sharp-end through work placements.
It has also proved to be a trailblazer for the National Skills Academy (NSA) network. They will deliver the training that employers want and that students need to succeed.
Another three NSAs are expected to open soon in partnership with the construction, manufacturing and financial services industries.
The government hopes that there will be 12 academies up and running by the end of 2008, one for each major sector of the economy.
In 2005, the British clothing industry produced more just over £4 billion worth of goods and employed over 85,000.
Key figures speak about London’s Fashion Retail Academy
Tony Blair:
"It’s a superb learning centre, with wonderful facilities, right in the heart of the West End which will provide training for hundreds of students with the flair and enthusiasm to work in fashion retail."
Academy founder Sir Philip Green:
"The highly-focussed curriculum of classroom study, industry master classes and exposure, plus the significant part of their time spent in work placement with all the above retailers in all areas of their businesses, will give our students an unrivalled opportunity to decide whether they have the passion, energy, drive and commitment to succeed in the retail industry."
M&S chief executive Stuart Rose:
"Over two million people work in retail - it’s the UK’s second biggest employer and a vast and diverse sector. Its future is dependent on the talent and skills of young people today - our future designers, buyers, merchandisers, marketers. M&S is co-sponsoring the Fashion Retail Academy because we need to inspire and support these young people, give them insights into the way the industry works and help them learn from our experience."
Student India Gaind:
"As part of the course we are lucky to be able to work with noted retailers and gaining valuable experience from being with them. I especially enjoyed working in Topshop."
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