A New Model for the Fashion Industry
AIM
To set up a Summer programme including training and work experience, to close the
diversity and sustainability gaps in the Fashion industry.
OUTCOME
To upskill school leavers from ethnically and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds in
the widest industry skills gap, to boost employability and promote a cleaner industry
amongst the future workforce and the wider Fashion community.
PROGRAMME OUTLINE
Sponsor a cohort of 8 underrepresented young people between the ages of 18-21, who
have completed a Fashion A level or equivalent.
4 week part-time, classroom-based learning programme, salaried at London Living
Wage.
Focused on sustainable and ethical practice through the product life cycle, supported
by industry professionals.
Programme to be followed by 3 month paid placement with brand partners from
September to November.
www.flourishindiversity.com
Updated 20/5/22
Our Proposal
In order to improve diversity and sustainability within the fashion industry, we propose to host a 6-week paid Summer training programme in 2022 for school leavers interested in a fashion career.
• Develop a bespoke curriculum with educational Fashion bodies
• Partner with Fashion employers
• 4 weeks classroom-based learning + 2 weeks work placement in-house
• To include a visit to London based garment factory
• A tailor-made course focusing on sustainable & ethical practice
• Spotlighting how to 'clean up' Design, Sourcing, Production & Distribution processes
• Learning through lectures, industry speakers & work experience
• Life skills workshops to support the transition from education to employment
Why?
A lack of ethnic and socio-economic diversity and inclusion within the Fashion Design sector means only 12% of design managers and business owners are from a black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds.
Simultaneously, there is a lack of meaningful action and innovation around building a more ethical and sustainable industry with only 23% of fashion brands committing to meaningful change.
We want to #changethetrend.
Source: Design Council (2018) & Fashion Revolution (2020)
We Need Your Help
We need initial financing to begin building our programme. Here's what we will be spending the money on:
£5,000 *to develop an inclusive bespoke curriculum focused on sustainability and ethical practice within Fashion design, sourcing, manufacturing & distribution.
£2,500 *to deliver the training programme with professional teaching staff, including life skills and industry related workshops.
£1,250 *to provide adequate safeguarding measures for our young people.
£1,250 *to cover legal set up costs.
We are a social enterprise which means our mission is to have a positive social impact. Our future intention is to have a profitable arm of the business through recruitment referrals and consultancy.
Any donation is warmly welcome and please feel free to leave your name as we'd love to add you to our wall of support at www.flourishindiversity.com.
About
The Flourish in Diversity team are Giulia, Amelia and Nishy. We have come together through a shared passion to promote diversity and sustainability within Fashion.
Together we are drawing on over 30 years experience in our respective industries, Fashion and Media, to implement valuable change for a cleaner and fairer industry.
To learn more about us please visit our website.