WestKing joins forces with London College of Fashion and Poplar Works as part of Making for Change programme

Fashion teachers from WestKing to lead courses at community fashion hub Poplar Works as part of the Making for Change programme which supports students entering the UK fashion industry.

Westminster Kingsway College’s (WestKing) Fashion department has partnered with Poplar Works and London College of Fashion to provide greater opportunities for a broader range of students through Making for Change.

The Making for Change programme aims to provide students with hands-on fashion manufacturing skills, industry-recognised qualifications and support in finding jobs within the UK fashion manufacturing industry, which is currently experiencing a critical skills shortage.

Making for Change was established with the Ministry of Justice in 2014 and includes a training and production programme at HMP Downview. This programme supports women in the criminal justice system in developing skills and experiences relevant to the fashion industry. The HMP Downview project participants are also given opportunities to work at Poplar Works during or after their custodial sentence.

Poplar Works is a community fashion hub in East London’s Fashion District which provides a space for fashion students, entrepreneurs and local community members to learn, share and create. The hub is home to a specially designed fashion manufacturing and training unit that provides training, accreditation, and job opportunities for the local community. Poplar Works is also home to a thriving garment production team so there is scope for students to find employment once they have completed their training.

As part of the Making for Change programme, students enrolling on Level 1 and Level 2 Fashion and Textiles courses at Poplar Works will also enrol as students at WestKing, where they will benefit from the college’s expert teaching, pastoral support as well as mental health and well-being services. Students will also be offered valuable learning support and career advice.

London College of Fashion manages the Making for Change space at Poplar Works including the production team. They offer students support during their studies through masterclasses and networking events and help them get involved in creative projects that can lead to further education or opportunities for work. 

For more information on WestKing’s Making for Change courses at Poplar Works, prospective students can go along to the Information Day at Poplar Works on Tuesday 24th September from 11am to 2pm.

WestKing offers a wide range of Art, Design and Fashion Courses for students exploring creative pathways. Why not take a look and enrol today!

Follow the WestKing fashion students Instagram www.instagram.com/wkc_fashion

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