The importance of placement activity in promoting employability skills in fashion and textiles students

Cassandra O'Connor

Abstract

The paper focuses upon, the initial findings of data that was collected over several years from major UK fashion producers, importers, wholesalers and retailers to whom students have been sent for placement experience from the Fashion Studies undergraduate degree at the University of Leeds. This input from significant global brands provides an invaluable source of insight into current trends and issues relating to the appropriateness of contemporary design curricula, the employability of students, the academic value of structured work based learning, and future employer needs within the discipline area. Students’ views on the overall placement experience and how it had altered their perceptions and expectations of employment in design are also discussed.

 

O'Connor, C. (2011) The importance of placement activity in promoting employability skills in fashion and textiles students. Educationalfutures, [online] Vol. 4(1). Available at: https://educationstudies.org.uk/?p=559 [Accessed 29 Mar, 2024].