Apprentices and learners were among those honoured at Huddersfield’s Textile Centre of Excellence Awards.
The event, held at the John Smith’s Stadium, welcomed learners, employers and representatives from the textile industry to celebrate exceptional talent.
A total of 110 learners received awards ranging from textile apprenticeships, leadership and skills management, through to Institution of Occupational Safety and Health and National Examination Board In Occupational Safety and Health certificates.
Special awards such as the Lord Barnby Award and the Antich Award celebrated the achievements of those that went the extra mile while learning.
For the first time the Textile Centre of Excellence recognised learners from non-textile employers alongside their Learners of The Year.
The event also recognised students from Holmfirth High School who participated in an educational programme called EDU4TEX, designing and producing a lab coat with the support of Antich Fine English Tailors.
The Training Company of The Year’ award was presented to Antich & Sons. Pictured left to right, Alan Williams of Camira Fabrics, Janet Antich of Antich & Sons (Huddersfield) Ltd and Adam Mansell of CapitB
Textile Centre of Excellence managing director Bill Macbeth said: “It was fantastic to celebrate the achievements of our learners and recognise the employers that support the development of skills within the industry.
“With many learners overcoming some significant challenges during their learning, we are incredibly proud of their resilience, tenacity and achievement.
“Here at the Textile Centre of Excellence we are committed to fostering talent and skills development across our region. We are continually enhancing our offering to adapt to the ever-developing landscape and the challenges faced by the textile industry.”
The event was sponsored by the CapitB Trust who fund and support skills growth within the fashion and textile industry in the UK.
The Textile Centre of Excellence was established in 1976 as a not-for-profit business offering a wide range of training to organisations in the textile and fashion industry.
More recently, the Textile Centre of Excellence – now based at Outlane – has diversified its offering giving the opportunity for non-textile organisations to upskill their workforce, accessing the wide range of courses that they offer.
