Transcript Clothing Construction Techniques
Heriot-Watt University School of Textiles & Design
Cath. Fenton – Lecturer Jeanette Graham – Careers Adviser
Embedding skills into the curriculum Professional Career Readiness
Heriot-Watt University School of Textiles & Design
Why?
Employability & Professional Career Readiness main focus of University’s strategic plan.
Improve graduate destination figures Combat fall in league tables
Heriot-Watt University School of Textiles & Design
Employability, preparing students and graduates with the essential skills beyond the intricacies of the discipline for a career in the fashion arena.
Fashion graduates not only need an impressive portfolio, they also require: • creative talent and abilities to produce new variants • technical knowledge in product realisation • solutions to the age-old problem of clothing the body • skill to develop refreshing and exciting awareness of design in a contemporary context
Fashion graduates not only have to have an impressive portfolio:
• But also :
Commitment and drive Motivation and enthusiasm Team working Oral communication Flexibility and adaptability Customer focus Problem solving Managing own learning and career Commercial awareness Planning and organising
Session 04/05 – implemented a strategy to intersperse activities into the curriculum at all levels to enhance Professional Career Readiness (PCR) Looked at 3 areas of PDP focus and integration: Academic core skills Personal/Career skills Reflective skills for students
Graduate employability skills
• • • • •
Achieved an informed understanding of the requirements for employment through:
Placement provider feedback Graduates feedback Graduate employers feedback Guest speakers from the industry Industrial Advisory Group
Based on SCQF levels, Academic Skills Coach undertook an audit of employability skills already in the curriculum through:
• • • • Questionnaires to academic staff Lecturers looking at skills in each module Activities and assignments in each course Specialist skills workshops delivered either by lecturer or Academic Skills Coach
Embedded in the curriculum
Oral, visual and written presentation Live projects Teamwork to achieve common goals Self and peer assessment Reflective analysis • •
Also
Encourage work placements (compulsory in FT) Discipline related vocational employment
Live Projects in curriculum
Current:
Woven fabric manufacturer - Holland & Sherry
Giftware retailers – Hallmark
Specialist dye manufacturer - B & H Liquid Crystal Resources Ltd
Textile design agent - Chris Judge
Using environmental friendly fabrics – Gardening Scotland
Professional Career Readiness
Sessions delivered by Careers Adviser for all years of all courses from year one.
All sessions are timetabled for all students Attendance is taken at each class and passed to Course Directors Encouraged and supported by academic staff No formal assessment
Professional Career Readiness classes
Four courses – FDI, TFDM, FT and DfT Year One – Delivered as part of Registration programme to all 1 st year students and Direct Entrants:
Careers Service Induction Introduction to employability skills and expectations of graduate employers.
Professional Career Readiness classes Year Two
Building on, recording and reflecting on skills Writing CV/covering letter.
Individual CV/letter checks
Year Three
Career planning and work experience Career options – fashion/textile occupations and skills required
Professional Career Readiness classes Year Four
Graduate job searching Application procedures Interview skills Also: All students offered individual help and advice Separate programme for Placement Students Same programme for School of Management students on Campus
Professional Career Readiness classes
Get Started Programme
Professional Career Readiness classes
Guest Speakers
Textile Embroiderer theatre; couture; design and production Director CAD/CAM company advanced technologies for the Clothing industry Senior Retail Consultant Former CE of Aquascutum global sourcing and the impact on the Western World .
BHS Quality Manager career and experiences/advice.
Results - PCR & Embedded Skills
Rates of Graduate level employment steadily increasing 03/04 - 46.4% 04/05 - 56.3% 05/06 - 73.4% 06/07 – 81.4%
Professional Career Readiness classes Benefits:
Closer links with academic staff Higher profile of Careers Service amongst students More awareness of the needs of the industry Students better informed with regard to where/when/how to apply for jobs Marked increase in number of students applying for work experience
Professional Career Readiness classes Issues
: Attendance can vary Raised expectations Very labour intensive Requires back-up resources Relies on support from academic staff