Speaking to local newspaper reporters after the meeting, Robin Deas, owner of House of Cheviot, a manufacturer of top quality kilt and country socks, said trainers are now in place and assessors are ready to start work.  

"At the meeting we wanted to confirm that all the apprenticeships had been taken on or are going to be taken on; trainers were in place, the assessors have now been trained and funding has been agreed for the apprenticeships through SVQs," Mr Deas told the Hawick News.

"To date that has all been covered so we are absolutely on stream," he said.

Industry support

The initiative is said to have the backing of all 12 members of the association, including many knitwear producers from the town and in October last year, work began to recruit 20 trainers and 10 assessors necessary for the association to take on its first 50 apprentices.

According to the report, Job Centre Plus has provided potential recruits through the Get Ready for Work and Work Experience initiatives, Scottish Enterprise the organisational support and Skills Development Scotland financial support of up to £6,000 per apprentice.

The Scottish Textiles Academic Group (STAG) and Cardonald College has provided academic support for the trainers, assessors and apprentices, and there is broad support from the Scottish Textiles Industry Association (STIA) and the Scottish Government, the report said.

Industry faces workforce decrease

Knitwear manufacturers and other textiles related businesses in the region are said to be facing a potential decrease of 10% in their 2000 plus workforce due to retirement over the next five years but Mr Deas told the Hawick News he believes there is plenty to be optimistic about with the injection of young talent into the industry.  

"We want to show local people, parents, grandparents, school teachers and young people that textiles is now a modern industry and we can offer exciting opportunities for school leavers," Mr Deas said.  

"The products we're making are exciting, innovative and very high quality. I think the people of Hawick and the Borders would be very surprised to learn that we make for some of the finest retail outlets in the world."

Cathy Black, head of textiles at Scottish Enterprise, told the newspaper: "The continuous development of a skilled workforce in the textiles industry is of paramount importance for our future. This initiative will engage more people from various backgrounds and encourage them to pursue a career in this vibrant sector."

House of Cheviot

The House of Cheviot is situated in the historic town of Hawick in the Scottish Borders, an area famous for its knitwear. Its clientele ranges from royalty to gamekeepers, and its military connections include the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The company is also very proud of its association with the film industry, especially the Harry Potter films for which it created the Hogwarts socks, pullovers and scarves.

"At the House of Cheviot, we combine traditional skills developed over 200 years with the very latest knitting technology, to produce the finest collection of country and kilt socks. For the country market, our sock range offers cushion comfort alongside technical performance; for the highland kilt market, we have the capability to offer a bespoke service to create hose to match most clan tartans," the company says on its website.

Source: The Hawick News