Two UK students have recently returned from two weeks of specialist training at Shima Seiki headquarters in Wakayama, Japan, after winning this year’s Shima Seiki Europe student competition.

Beth Harrison-Frater, a BA student at Northumbria University, and Jingwen Liao, undertook one week of design training followed by a second week covering fundamentals of programming Shima Seiki knitting machines.

Both Beth and Jingwen thoroughly enjoyed their Japanese experience, as Jingwen explained on her return: “I had an incredible two weeks in Japan as part of the training at Shima Seiki. During the first week, we explored the design software, including Design Pro, PGM, and 3D Modelist, and had the opportunity to create our own 3D knit objects or garments. I further developed my application design, along with some new ideas, and transformed them into 3D knitted vases (images included in the folder), further exploring knitted texture design for interiors.”

“The second week focused on the seamless flatbed knitting machine and the shaping machine, where we learned the principles behind seamless knitting and developed our own jumper designs in the software. On the shaping machine, we were able to translate some of our designs into jacquard and were introduced to inlay structure design. I was especially inspired by the potential of 3D knitting and would love to continue exploring 3D knitted structures in the future,” Jingwen said.

“Outside of the training, I also had the chance to explore a little of Japan - Beth and I spent a day in Osaka, and on Sunday I visited Kobe, where I tried the famous Kobe beef and enjoyed the seaside views. The journey was both inspiring and rewarding, not only for the skills I gained but also for the chance to meet and learn from such talented people. I left feeling motivated and excited to keep building on what I learned.”

Runners-up

For the first time, four runners-up were also given the opportunity to attend two weeks of intensive training at Shima Seiki Europe in Castle Donington, covering the same programme as in Japan. Anna Casalini (Nottingham Trent University), Derek Chan (Royal College of Art), Isabella Hyland (Manchester Metropolitan University), and Naomi Salmon (Nottingham Trent University) all benefitted from the course.

“Their enthusiasm and growth have been inspiring and we’re proud to share that one of the students has already secured a job at Barrie Knitwear, where these new skills will help her hit the ground running,” Julie Crowfoot said.

“These experiences are not only equipping students with industry-ready skills they’re also helping them think beyond fashion, exploring how flat-knit technology can be applied in areas like furniture, medical textiles, and more.”

Summer School

Shima Seiki Europe has also announced the winners of its Summer School, aimed at undergraduate and MA students. Over one week, Lucy Kolodkin (Loughborough University), Nadine Bedward (Huddersfield University), Klaudia Bochniak (Manchester Metropolitan University), and Judith Shackman (Nottingham Trent University) received training in flat knit design, including SDS-ONE APEX 4 and 3D simulations.

Supporting higher education

Shima Seiki Europe also continues to support higher education through its APEXFiz Academic Package, which offers discounted licences, free trials, and access to the ShimaNavi online learning platform.

The company is also continuing its support with a new competition launching in September called ‘Christmas Jumper’. Watch out for details on Shima Seiki’s social media for details. As part of this initiative, four students will have the opportunity to receive free knit design training, helping them gain further knowledge and enhance their skills using SDS-ONE APEX 4 /APEXFiz.

Celebrating forty years

Shima Seiki Europe, a subsidiary of Shima Seiki Mfg., Ltd., has been serving the European knitting industry since 1985 under the corporate philosophy of ‘Ever Onward’.

Over the past four decades, the company has built strong customer relationships across the UK and neighbouring countries by combining high-quality functional products with dedicated service. Its commitment to customer-oriented support remains at the heart of its operations.

The company’s Castle Donington office is strategically located near major knitting industry centres. In 2014, the facility was renovated to include an expanded Training Suite and a new showroom featuring the latest knit samples and garments.

Beyond supplying advanced technology, Shima Seiki Europe contributes to the knit sector by providing training aimed at developing future technical specialists. The company remains committed to its founding philosophy while continuing to meet the evolving needs of the industry.

www.shimaseiki.co.uk

www.shimaseiki.com