This joint ADM-HEA and Skillfast commissioned report outlines the findings of recent research exploring employer engagement activities currently taking place across a number of HE and HE in FE institutions delivering fashion and textiles curricula. In addition the investigation also seeks to identify the staff and student experience of work-related and work-based learning in the fashion and textiles educational sector and some of the challenges faced and effective practices implemented by educators in this field. The main focus of the research questioned how successful relationships between higher education and employers in this field are initiated developed and sustained.
The findings afforded by this project can be grouped into two main themes: the staff experience of employer engagement and the experiences of students undertaking work-related learning.