The British Footwear Association (BFA) has awarded certificates to the first cohort of trainees that completed the newly established BFA Foundation Course in Footwear Technology.
The BFA Foundation Course – by the industry, for the industry – has seen 28 trainees from ten footwear companies participating in the ten-module course.
The trainees pictured together with Richard Kottler and Jack Brown are:
Chris Alder and Josie Cutler of Wm Lamb
Tejay Mistry of Pentland
Joshua Turner of E.Sutton & Sons
Sarah Carver of the BFA
They were joined in their celebrations by representatives from their employers, training providers (SATRA, BLC, Leatherwise) and Jack Brown, an independent consultant who provided research and syllabus input.
Richard Kottler, CEO of the BFA, commented “This is a proud day for the BFA and the footwear industry as these talented young people have completed the first ever edition of this key course that will help address the biggest skill shortage in this sector – that of skilled technologists.
At a recent meeting of footwear employers it was unanimously agreed to evolve and develop the course in 2012 and onwards.”
Due to industry feedback, a shorter version of the course for commercial trainees will also be available for 2012. This edited course will focus on the fundamentals of shoe making and materials, and include visits to UK factories to see shoes in production.