Fashion and Textiles Students Gain Industry Insight from Guest Speaker

Fashion and Textiles students recently welcomed freelance Senior Garment Technologist Shelagh Cronan for an industry-focused session exploring careers in fashion and the journey of a garment from initial design to the finished product.

Students studying the Extended Diploma in Art, Design and Communication, specialising in Fashion and Textiles, gained first-hand insight into the commercial fashion industry and the role of a garment technologist.

During the session, Shelagh shared her career journey and the variety of roles she has undertaken across the industry, from mail order to tailoring, menswear and womenswear retail to budget clothing, and luxury fashion. She has worked in roles including Trainee Garment Technologist, Garment Technician, Garment Technologist, Warehouse Manager, Senior Garment Technologist and Quality Assurance Manager, and now works on a freelance basis.

Shelagh encouraged students to think critically about garments and garment construction. Through garment comparisons, they considered the look and feel of different fabrics and examined differences in construction and finishing.

Students also explored the journey from a designer’s initial sketch to a finished garment, discovering the different people, departments and processes involved. This included the roles of designers, merchandisers, garment technologists, factories and clothing agents, as well as sourcing raw materials, packaging and transportation.

LauraLee Brennand, Lecturer in Fashion & Textiles said, “Working with industry is incredibly valuable for both our students and for me as a teacher. It helps me ensure that the content I deliver remains relevant to current industry practice, while giving students the opportunity to hear directly from someone working in the sector.

“Visits like Shelagh’s help students understand the wide range of job roles available within fashion and textiles, as well as the processes a garment goes through from a designer’s initial idea to the finished product reaching the consumer. That first-hand insight really helps bring their learning to life.

“Industry engagement is an important part of the Fashion and Textiles curriculum at Craven College, connecting students’ creative and practical learning with current professional practice and helping them understand the range of career pathways available within the sector.

Find out more about Fashion & Textiles at Craven College or visit us on our upcoming Open Event.