The British Footwear Development Trust (BFDT) announces the return of its pivotal education and training grants program, aimed at fostering growth within the UK footwear industry.
- The initiative, first launched in 2023, extends opportunities for both individuals and companies to acquire formal training and ‘hands-on practical experience’.
- Significant beneficiaries like Fairfax and Favor have utilized these grants to enhance the skills of their product development teams.
- Applications for the 2024 cycle opened on September 2 and will close on September 30, offering a significant window for aspiring participants.
- The BFDT expresses high anticipation for the transformative impacts of these grants on the sector and its professionals.
The British Footwear Development Trust (BFDT) has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing talent in the footwear industry through the continuation of its education and training grants programme. This program is designed to stimulate growth, creativity, and innovation across the UK’s footwear sector.
Initially launched in 2023, the grant scheme offers substantial support for both individual learners and businesses. It provides access to a wide range of educational opportunities, spanning from formal training sessions to ‘hands-on practical experience’. This dual approach ensures that beneficiaries can refine their skills in both theoretical and practical dimensions of footwear design and production.
A notable success story from the previous year is Fairfax and Favor, a Drapers Award-winning footwear business, which utilized the BFDT grant to advance the professional development of its product development team. The grant enabled both junior and established personnel to undertake a variety of BFA courses to refresh current skills, meet like-minded professionals, embrace the latest innovations, and strengthen industry knowledge. This sentiment was articulated by Fairfax & Favor’s product development manager, Sara Driscoll.
Applications for the 2024 grants commenced on September 2 and will be accepted until midnight of September 30, providing a clear timeframe for interested parties to apply. The BFDT is hopeful about the upcoming cycle’s role in elevating the industry standards and enriching the talent pool.
Helen Errington, a trustee at the BFDT, expresses optimism stating that the charity is ‘eager to see the positive impacts these grants will have on our industry and the talented individuals working within it’. This program not only supports the professional growth of individuals but also aims to reinforce the overall competitiveness and vibrancy of the UK footwear market.
The BFDT’s training grants are pivotal in driving the UK’s footwear sector towards innovation and excellence.
