Feature
A match made in heaven…
Workington-based Amy Spencer has become one of the first graduates to benefit from the University of Cumbria’s Graduate Innovation Project programme.
Amy is currently enjoying a placement with the Carlisle firm Mia Bridal, established in 2001 by fashion graduate Sarah Kelly, and one of the North’s primary stockists of high quality bridal-wear and accessories.
The Innovation Project resulted from the university’s Enterprise Services’ successful £1 million bid to the Economic Challenge Investment Fund (ECIF) and is delivered in partnership with further education colleges in Cumbria. The programme provides information, advice and guidance to unemployed graduates along with focused, short-term placements with local companies.
Sarah was not only looking for help within the business, but for someone with a passion for bridal wear. She explains: “I wanted to find someone with a fashion degree who would not only contribute to developing the whole Mia Bridal experience, but whom I could mentor about all aspects of running a bridal wear business.
“Buying a wedding dress is not only a very special occasion, but it is also a time when, more than ever, people become very conscious of their body shape. So as well as technical skills, excellent people skills are needed to be able to put customers at ease and give them a really special and positive experience.
“Having Amy on board has been fabulous! She is wonderful with the customers and has also really helped with the development of the Mia Bridal experience. I would highly recommend this scheme as it’s not often that small businesses have the opportunity to employ graduates”.
Amy started her studies with a BTEC Diploma in Foundation Studies in Art and Design at the university and then studied fashion at Northumbria University. During her degree she took work placements at Ben de Lisi and Bruce Oldfield, both acclaimed evening and bridal wear designers. When Amy graduated in 2009 she decided she didn’t want to base herself in London, and came back to Cumbria where she hopes in time to have her own business:
“I heard about the scheme through a friend of mine and applied for the position. It is brilliant working with Sarah here at Mia Bridal. It’s been such a beneficial opportunity for me as I have learned so much from Sarah about making bridal gowns—in fact I have found that my sewing skills have improved!
But on top of learning technical skills I have been able to pick up so much knowledge from Sarah about what it’s really like to run your own business. I think this is really important as it isn’t something that you can study and learn—you need to experience it first hand and work alongside someone who has this knowledge. Its much harder now for graduates to get jobs and I would really recommend doing something like a placement; not only is it a good addition to your CV, but you can also learn lots of ‘real life’ skills in the process”.
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