NEWS
Bfa Launches the first Industry-Led Foundation Course in Footwear Technology
Footnote from Richard Kottler, Chief Executive, British Footwear Federation
Richard Kottler, CEO BFA
Autumn (2010) an industry-led technical training syllabus aimed primarily at newcomers to the industry who wish to embark on a technical career path. The first level, Foundation Course, covers ten broad subjects from Lasts
and Fitting, through shoe manufacturing right through to Corporate Social Responsibility, Quality Systems and Environmental concerns. Where the company is not able to provide the appropriate training facilities in any module, then the BFA has listed accredited external Training Providers and has arranged favourable rates for using them. Candidates fulfilling the requirements of the ten-module syllabus will not
only gain a broad understanding of the main technical requirements of shoe manufacture but will contribute to the growth and prosperity of their employers. The Level 1 Foundation Course in Footwear Technology is a non-
examination course and is funded by the candidate's employer. Those passing the course will be presented with the industry-recognised BFA Foundation Certificate in Footwear Technology. The programme is open to all BFA members and retailers who purchase
footwear from BFA members. Retailers and suppliers using the same training programme is fairly uncommon in the business world BUT will ensure that people will be able to communicate more effectively if they share a common vocabulary. Paul Humphrey, Group HR Director, Airwair (Doc Martens), commented "It
As those in the industry know only too well, the decline of the UK’s shoe
manufacturing base over the past twenty years has resulted in a serious skills shortage of experienced and knowledgeable technologists. Many of the British Footwear Association’s (BFA) members have flagged
this as a major problem. The BFA as the industry body, decided to find out exactly what was needed and exactly what training was available. The answer was that it is virtually non-existent! This pent-up demand led the BFA to consult widely with industry and training associations and on the basis of the results decided to launch this
was great to see the industry come together in such a practical way to define for itself exactly what would be required from a "technical training programme". Although this has been attempted in the past, it is good to see that this initiative has been rewarded with what appears to be a very complete and wide-ranging set of training modules.
It is exciting that the programme
will be both classroom and practically based with visits to identified "centres of excellence" within the UK industry.
I look forward to seeing the programme help employers develop the next generation of these crucial technical skills."
richard.kottler@britfoot.com
High street sales grow for third month running - CBI Sales on the high street were higher than a year ago in September,
representing the third consecutive year-on-year increase and surpassing expectations, according to the latest CBI quarterly Distributive Trades Survey. Retailers expect another strong rise in sales next month. Sixty per cent of retailers surveyed said that the volume of sales rose
during September, while 11% said that it fell, giving a balance of +49%. This was the highest balance since May 2004 (+51%), and compares with an expected figure of +39% last month. Sales volumes (+14%) were also above average for the time of the year for the first time since June 2007. This increase was also reflected in the volume of orders placed upon
suppliers (+39%), which rose strongly again on a year ago, surpassing last month’s prediction of +29%. The clothing and footwear & leather sub-sectors saw particularly strong sales growth, which are likely to have been boosted by the arrival of new
4 • FOOTWEAR TODAY •OCTOBER 2010
autumn ranges. Looking to October, a balance of +47% of firms expect a higher volume of sales than a year ago. Ian McCafferty, CBI Chief Economic Advisor, said: “High street sales have performed well again this month, with growth
better than retailers predicted. The bank holiday weekend, combined with the tail-end of summer sales have resulted in a bumper period for retailers. Clothing and footwear sales in particular look to have been boosted by the launch of new autumn ranges. “Retailers expect sales growth to continue next month and, as we get
closer to January, sales will be helped by households seeking to beat the VAT rise. However, weak prospects for take-home pay mean that consumer spending is likely to be fairly restrained in 2011.”
www.cbi.org.uk www.footweartoday.co.uk
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