Academy is dedicated to followers of fashion

PASSION for fashion . . . students Jonny Carol, left, and Kelly Lomas with manager Amanda Walker and Oldham College principal Alun Francis

OLDHAM College has formally opened a pioneering new academy to boost fashion and textile manufacturing.

Guests were invited to an opening tour of the academy, which is now training students and providing apprenticeships to expand the sector across Greater Manchester.

Funding has come from various county-wide bodies, while Oldham College has provided industrial machinery and equipment and the building’s refurbishment and maintenance.

College principal and chief executive Alun Francis said: “We wanted to address the shortfall in machine operatives in the region and bring sewing skills and jobs back to the UK. So far we have trained 20 students who have gained a level one award. Fifteen have been selected to do a further level one certificate, five will then go into employment and apprenticeships.

“The skills they are developing are incredible and everyone seems to be really enjoying themselves.”

The academy, in Sadler Street, Middleton, was initially established in partnership with Headen & Quarmby, a Middleton company founded in 1935 making underwear and sleepwear for big retailers such as BHS, Marks & Spencer and Liberty of London.

Headen & Quarmby was featured on TV in 2012, when retail guru Mary Portas attempted to launch her own line of underwear.

“Headen & Quarmby is an exceptional partner and we are keen to continue working with the firm in the future,” said Mr Francic. “However the academy wants to support the growth of textiles skills across the whole sector.”